Lawrence "Van" Van Straten

On Thursday, March 17, 2016, Lawrence “Van” Van Straten decided it was time to “get off the bus.” He passed peacefully while at Artisan Assisted Living in De Pere. Van was born on March 11, 1923 to the late Ed and Emma (Hazeart) Van Straten, and he had just celebrated his 93rd birthday. Van proudly served in the Army during World War II. On June 10, 1947, he married Rita Hendricks Bullion. After 68 happy years of marriage, she preceded him in death on July 10, 2015. Van worked at several machine shops in the course of his career, retiring from Paper Converting in 1997. He went on to drive cars for Broadway Automotive. A job he truly enjoyed, and at which he made many friends. Van and Rita liked to travel. Their trips included Las Vegas, Florida, Mexico, Hawaii and numerous bus trips with friends to area casinos. We never knew if he came out ahead or behind on those trips! Dad had a fondness for sweets. Ford’s graham cracker cake was a perennial favorite. He also enjoyed a good “Old Fashioned.” He was an avid Packers fan and held season tickets for many years. Van loved to talk about the Packers to anyone. He also liked to golf and bowl, and did so for many years. Dad’s favorite nice weather activity was sitting on the bench on his porch waiting for a neighbor to come and chat. Survivors include his children; Linda Metzler (special friend Tom Knaus), Bruce (Mary “George”) Van Straten, Faye (Steve) Rose, Lisa (Ken) Waller, Julie (Chris) Paulsen. Grandchildren; Kim (Mike) Server, Kevin (Dawn) Metzler, Jamie (Dileny) Metzler, Alexa and Makenna Waller, Devon and Danielle Paulsen; four great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mark Hendricks, Leo (Kathy) Hendricks, Betty Drewiske (special friend, Paul Heney); many nieces and nephews. In addition to Rita, Van was preceded in death by his brother Don Van Straten and sisters Verna (Adrian Manders) Mandli, Sr. Loyola Van Straten and Eunice Van Straten; in-laws, Florence (Bud) Cullen, Carl “Jeff” (Angie) Hendricks, Ruth Hendricks, Frank (Carole) Hendricks, Roger Drewiske; niece, Jackie Cullen. Friends and family may visit at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Rd., Ledgeview on Monday, March 21, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Full Military Honors will follow at church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Van’s family would like to thank the very supportive and friendly staff at Artisan Assisted Living for the care and kindness shown to Dad during his time there.

Reception:
St. Mary Catholic Church-Ledgeview
4805 Sportsman Drive
De Pere, WI 54115