Kenneth H. Vissers

Kenneth H. Vissers, 75, De Pere, died Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at a local hospital. He was born on December 19, 1936 to the late Martin and Nellie (Coenen) Vissers. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from De Pere High School in June, 1955. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Ft. Knox, KY for training. He served his country as a tank mechanic, and after spending time in Germany, was discharged in June, 1958. On November 10, 1967, his life changed forever. Ken was severely injured while working in a paper machine at Nicolet Paper Company. He was paralyzed from the chest down and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He was treated for his injuries at St. Vincent Hospital for three and a half months. He then transferred to Craig Rehabilitation Hospital near Denver where he learned how to cope with the daily challenges of being a paraplegic. Nine months after this injury, he returned to work at Nicolet as a maintenance scheduler, a position created for him. He was a productive and loyal employee and retired at age 65 in 2001. In his youth Ken enjoyed playing football and basketball. He loved following the Packers, spending time on his computer (we will all miss his emails), and playing cards. He looked forward to the weekly visits from friends and relatives to play cribbage. Ken was a member of the De Pere Men’s Club and enjoyed socializing with other members. On March 24, 1970, he married Anne C. DeTennis at St. Mary’s Church in De Pere. She preceded him in death on February 28, 2007. Throughout their 37 years of marriage, Ken’s primary caregiver was his devoted and loving wife. Since Anne’s death four years ago, Ken’s determination to remain independent was a source of pride and an inspiration to all who knew him. He is survived by his brothers, Howard and his wife Marilyn Vissers, De Pere, Don and his wife Ann Vissers, Bellevue and the Villages, FL, and his sister, Betty Clancy, Greenleaf. Further survived by brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Kaye Jadin, Green Bay; and brother-in-law, John Kautzer, De Pere; many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Harold, sister Dorothy and her husband Hank Gerke, brother-in-law, Jim Clancy. Also by brothers-in-law, Darold DeTennis and Paul DeTennis, and sisters-in-law, Faye DeTennis Kautzer and Patricia Rose DeTennis. Ken was fortunate to have wonderful neighbors- Vern and Sue, Bob and Marie, Joe and Karen, John and Debbie- always willing to help when needed. Family and friends may call on Saturday, March 19, 2011, from 9am-11am at St. Mary Catholic Community, Pope John the XXIII Circle, off Sportsman Drive, Town of Ledgeview. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11am Saturday at the church with the Rev. John H. Harper officiating. Entombment in Allouez Mausoleum. Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the Vissers family at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established. The family wishes to thank Interim Healthcare, especially Jamie, De Pere Rescue Squad, the doctors, nurses, and entire staff of St. Vincent Hospital for the excellent care provided to Ken. Special thanks to Carol Sue and Paulie for their constant care and concern.