Jacob Van Schyndel

To Know Him is to Love Him Jacob Michael Van Schyndel, 18, Kaukauna, passed away peacefully following a lifelong, inspirational battle with cancer on Monday, February 10, 2014 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 20, 1995 in Green Bay, son to Ronald and Brenda (Just) Van Schyndel. Jacob was a senior at Wrightstown High School, where he managed the football and wrestling teams. He enjoyed fishing and recently became interested in hunting, getting his first bear last year and going on his first pheasant hunt. Jacob also liked going up north to the family cabin. He loved socializing with people and was a very caring young man. Throughout his battle with his illness he wanted everyone to know 'if he could fight cancer this big thing then they could fight minor things.' He didn't believe in giving up or taking the easy way out. He had a great work ethic, never afraid to do anything even with his limitations. He worked at the Out-O-Town Club and enjoyed cutting lawns with his Mom, Dad, and brothers. He liked being involved with people no matter what the circumstances. He loved animals, especially his dogs Scruffy and Herbie. He had great faith and was a member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Wrightstown. Jacob will be deeply missed by his parents, Ron “Butch” and Brenda Van Schyndel; three brothers: Nick, Appleton, Matt and Jon, at home; maternal grandmother, Carol Just, De Pere; great-grandmother, Evelyn Van Schyndel, Kaukauna; aunts and uncles: Sue and Greg Verhagen, Wrightstown, Chris and Tim Trudell, Jeff and Kathie Just, Rod and Tami Just, Tim and Missy Just, all of De Pere; Becky and David Pytak, Hollandale, Brian and Amy Van Schyndel, Kaukauna, Kristy Van Schyndel (Godmother), Kaukauna, Kevin (fiancé-Anna) Van Schyndel (Godfather),Wrightstown, and Tina Grissman, Kaukauna; Godparents, Ken (Char) Lemke, Wrightstown; and many cousins and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Tiffany Van Schyndel; maternal grandfather, Roger Just; paternal grandparents, Ron and Mary Van Schyndel; great-grandparents: Ray and Helen Meulemans, Martin Van Schyndel, Helen and Ernest Treichel, and Sadie and Harold Just. To Jacob: I will always remember your laugh no matter how dark the times were. You've always been helpful and insightful. I will never forget the things you've said to lift my spirits with genuine care and love, but not only to me, to anyone you met. Your personality was very warm and welcoming. We are very proud of you. I hope you were half as proud of me. You have changed my life and I owe you a lot. You have never let me down and were always there for me. I love you and will miss you every day. I wouldn't change a thing. Nick You were our little brother. We should have been the one teaching you about life, but instead you taught us so many more invaluable lessons we will never forget. You showed me what I should strive to be as a brother, son, friend, and person in general. I will always love you. Until I see you again. Matt You were young, selfless and a great brother. You always put others ahead of yourself just to make them happy. You loved sports and were always on the sideline cheering everyone on. You were always in my corner for wrestling and always helping me through my struggles. I will always miss you but will never forget you. Jon I love you so much. Every time I cast a pole, clean a fish, look at your bear in your room, I will miss you but will know you are there with me remembering the times we had together. I will miss you and love you always. Dad I have watched you go through so much throughout your life with all your doctor appointments, treatments, and surgeries, but also I watched with great pride you accomplish things that no one ever thought you could. You taught me so much. Somehow you gave me the strength to help you through everything. When I would say I wished I could go through this instead of you, you would tell me you wouldn't want me to go through it and you could handle it and you did. You never felt sorry for yourself. I always worried there would come a day that God would take you to heaven, but prayed that day would never come. Now you have no limitations. I will miss your daily hugs and 'Love You Mom.' Thank you for being such an amazing son. I am so proud to be your mom. My heart is breaking knowing I have to let you go, but I know you are at peace now. You are my special angel! Love Mom. Family and friends may call Monday, February 17, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Wrightstown. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of funeral service at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Matthew Vik officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Cotter Funeral Home, Wrightstown, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Our family extends a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who through their amazing care and determination were able to give us 18 wonderful and memorable years with Jacob and to Pastor Vik for always listening, encouraging and strengthening Jacob's faith. We would also like to thank all our friends and family for their love and support who made it possible for us to focus on helping Jacob throughout his lifelong fight with cancer