James Van Gemert

James V. Van Gemert James Jim Van Gemert passed away peacefully with family at his side, in his De Pere home on Thursday morning, December 10, 2015. The sixth son of Victor and Elizabeth (Van Beckum) Van Gemert was born in De Pere, on August 17, 1917. Jim graduated Nicolet High School, 1936, his favorite activity was Band. He was a proud member of the Union Hotel Bachelors' Club until 1949 when Jim and Rita (Siudzinski) were united in marriage, at St Mary's of the Angels Catholic Church, Green Bay, on June 18, 1949. He served as a officer in the United States 126th Cavalry. Jim worked his entire life as a partner and owner of Van Gemert Memorials, De Pere. He had a keen interest in genealogy and it was not uncommon for him to have sold memorials to over 5 generations of families. Jim was a consummate salesman who loved his craft and could not accept the meaning of the word retirement. He lived his life similar to the Lombardi credo God, Family and Van Gemert Memorials. By example, he instilled a strong work ethic in his children. Jim was a longstanding member of the De Pere Rotary Club, serving as president, 1968 and was named a Paul Harris Fellow, 1982. He was a life long member of The Green Bay Elks Club. Door County was a special place for Jim and Rita. They greatly enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren at their cottage in Sister Bay. Jim's favorite pastime was playing Sheepshead with lifelong friends. Jim's Catholic faith was a very important part of his life, he especially looked forward to the Lenten Retreats held at the Jesuit Retreat House, Oshkosh, WI. He was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish of De Pere and Stella Maris Parish in Sister Bay. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 66 years-Rita, their children: Thomas, Robert (Marilyn Jensen), Karen Van Gemert and her husband, Patrick Riordan, David, and Kathleen Van Gemert; grandchildren, Mark (Dr. Danielle) Van Gemert, Philip, Nicholas (Maria Quiroz), Andrew and Alexander Ribeiro, Anne and James Cameron; step grandchildren: Brighid, Dan (Jill), Timothy, Kate (Seth Harris), and Meghan Riordan; great grandchildren, Ethan James and Leila Van Gemert and step great grandchildren: Owen and Finn Riordan, Ryan and Sean Harris. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Richard (Rose) Siudzinski and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his nine siblings, Florence (Don) Mc Millin, Lucille (George) Regan, Clement Brud (Arleen), Alton Tut (Catherine), Dr.John (Margaret), Arnold Hun (Elizabeth), Robert (Marion), Ann (Fritz) Guse, and Dorothy (Clement) Coenen, and brother-in-law, Alvin (Alfreida) Siudzinski. Friends and family may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, De Pere on Monday, December 14, 2015 from 4:00-7:00pm. Visitation will continue at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S Michigan St, De Pere, on Tuesday from 9:00am until 10:15am. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial with Bishop Robert Morneau and Rev. Richard Getchel will be at 10:30am Tuesday. Entombment in the family mausoleum at Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com The family wishes to thank Robin Therese, Pastoral Associate at St Francis Xavier Parish, Unity Hospice, De Pere and HomeInstead caregivers for their care and concern in his last months of life. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in James' name to St Francis Xavier Church, DePere Historical Society, Jesuit Retreat House, Oshkosh, WI or DePere Rotary Club.