Rufus Wayne Aschenbrenner

Rufus Wayne Aschenbrenner, 90, De Pere, passed away Monday, December 29, 2014 at a local hospital. He was born April 20, 1924, at home in Luxemburg, WI, son of the late Antone and Albertina (Leiterman) Aschenbrenner. Rufus graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1942, and proudly served his country in the United States Army, 87th Division during WWII, earning Military Honors. He married Mildred (Milly) Vanden Hoogen on September 14, 1949 at St. Mary Catholic Church in De Pere, and she preceded him in death on July 29, 2012. Rufus retired from Ft. Howard and was a longstanding member of the Quarter Century Club. He was a member of the De Pere Men’s Club, a faithful volunteer at the Red Cross and for many years was a proud bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Rufus loved traveling with Milly, gardening, bingo, playing cards (especially Sheepshead) and spending time with his loving family. Rufus is survived by his eight children: Diana (Roger) Loeh, Joan Nackers, Jean (Dan) Van Rens, Wayne (Alice) Aschenbrenner, David (Ann) Aschenbrenner, Mary (Carl) Ambrosius, James Aschenbrenner and special friend, Bobbie; and Janet (Brad) Gay; 15 grandchildren: Melissa (Mark) Putzier, Rebecca (Mike) Renier, Jessie (Eric) VandenBush, Tammy Weiss, Shannon VanRens, Lea Taylor, Tim (Tina) Aschenbrenner, Molly (Mike) Lauer, Rachel, Claire and Olivia Aschenbrenner, Andy and Tony Ambrosius, Nate and Nick Gay. 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Jeanette) Aschenbrenner; sisters-in-law, Mary Pat Aschenbrenner, Peggy Vanden Hoogen, Janet Vanden Hoogen; special friends, Al, Dawn and Dorothy and many friends and neighbors. In addition to his parents and wife, Rufus was preceded in death by 3 infant granddaughters: Tracy, Lisa and Angela VanRens; his brothers: Harvey and Jerome; Millie’s parents, William and Anna Vanden Hoogen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Cora (Frank) Kobes and Frank’s second wife, Toni; Susan (Raymond) Hutjens; Harriet (Neil) Kocken; Minnie (Elmer) VanLanen; Francis (Roland Hendricks) and her second husband Lorten Penn, Richard Vanden Hoogen, Clement Vanden Hoogen, Clarence (Mary Ann) Vanden Hoogen. Family and friends may call Friday, January 2, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan St., De Pere. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. Friday at church, with the Rev. Judah Pigon, MF, officiating. Full military honors will follow the Mass. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, De Pere. Cotter Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.