Robert G. Van Rossum

Robert George Van Rossum, age 79, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Born November 6, 1943, son of the late Charles and Harriet Van Rossum, he graduated from Wrightstown High School in 1961 and married Janice Vande Hey on November 21, 1964. While working at Badger Northland in Kaukauna, he and Janice then bought a farm in 1971 where they raised their children and worked until 1998. Later, he sold seeds and delivered feed to local farmers working for Bowers Feed Mill in Wrightstown.

He was a member of St. Paul’s (now St. Clare’s) Catholic Church all his life. His interests included attending and watching stock car races, bowling, fishing, gardening, hunting, and attending get-togethers with family and friends. He and Janice purchased a cottage on Lac Vieux Desert in Phelps, WI. He enjoyed fishing with his wife, son, daughters, brother, and friends. His nicknames included “Rosco” and “The Fishing Farmer”.

Survivors include his wife Janice; 2 daughters and one son: Denise (Richard) Jorgensen, Casco, Michele Van Rossum, Kaukauna, and Troy (Cheryl) Van Rossum, Wrightstown; 3 grandchildren: Josh Van Rossum, Appleton, Brittany Van Rossum (Jesus Lopez), San Diego, CA, and Ally Jorgensen, Green Bay; 2 brothers and 3 sisters: Betty (Paul) Klister, Wrightstown, Gerald Van Rossum, Wrightstown, Carol Fink, Hattiesburg, MS, Rose (Thomas) Boylan, Greenleaf, and Thomas (Patricia) Van Rossum, Greenleaf; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Donna Weyers, Montana, Audrey (Jim) Temmer, Appleton, Pete Vande Hey, Kaukauna, Sharon (Carl) Theunis, Kaukauna, Shirley (Thomas) Greiner, Birnamwood, Dick Vande Hey, Freedom, Al Vande Hey, De Pere, Debra Van Handle (special friend Joe Schlag), Ledgeview, Joanne Vande Hey, Darboy, and Dennis Boylan, Freedom. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law: Gordon and Agnes Vande Hey; brothers: Marvin and infant brother Mark; sisters-in-law: Donna Van Rossum, Wilma Van Rossum, Mary Vande Hey, Jean Vande Hey, and Darlene Vande Hey; brothers-in-law: Leon Fink, Lloyd Van Handle, Ron Micke, and Bob Weyers; Paul Vande Hey; and one nephew: John Van Rossum.

Family and friends may gather on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 8:00 am – 11:00 am at St. Clare Catholic Church, 437 Main St., Wrightstown. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am with Fr. Brian Wideman officiating. Robert will be laid to rest at Wrightstown Cemetery. His pallbearers include godchildren Brian Vande Hey, Scott Van Rossum, Brad Klister, Jimmy Theunis, Nadine Mathu, and Colleen Hansen.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and caregivers of Promedica Hospice and Home Instead.

Cotter Funeral & Cremation Care is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.cotterfuneralhome.com