THEODORE VANDER WIELEN

Theodore M. Ted Vander Wielen, age 68, of Neenah, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013, at his home after a hard fought, courageous two-year battle with lung cancer. Ted was born November 5, 1944, in Lithoijen, Netherlands, the son of the late Martin and Dorothy (Ceelen) Vander Wielen. He was united in marriage to Patricia K. Pat Van Ryzin on May 29, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Appleton. They cherished 48 years together and were blessed with two daughters, Tricia and Lisa. Ted was the former owner of Electric Motor Service, Inc. in Kaukauna prior to his retirement. In 1996, Ted purchased Brennand Airport in the town of Clayton. He had a passion for flying and he certified/flew close to 300 Young Eagles. He was a member of the EAA, Chapter UL41, loved to tinker in his hangar, and currently was building a Sidewinder experimental airplane. Ted and Pat wintered in Grand Island, Florida, and loved to go on cruises and travel. He was a die-hard Packer fan and loved NASCAR racing, especially Matt Kenseth. This last February they went to the Daytona 500. Survivors include his loving wife Pat; their daughters, Tricia (Johan) Hendriks, Neenah, and Lisa (Zack) Strassburg, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Brieanna and Logan Pack; a sister, Mary Vander Wielen, Oregon; four brothers: Tony (Bev) Vander Wielen, Peter (Sue) Vander Wielen and John (Bev) Vander Wielen, all of Appleton, and Joe (Marilyn) Vander Wielen, Neenah; many nieces, nephews and friends; not to forget his buddy Dale. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Frank. The funeral mass for Ted will be celebrated Saturday, April 20, 2013, 11:00 a.m., at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine St., Appleton, with Rev. Dennis Ryan presiding. Visitation will begin Saturday at 9:00 a.m. until the hour of mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Teds honor may be sent to the Young Eagles, c/o EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Rd., Oshkosh, WI, 54902, or the American Cancer Society, 790 Marvelle Lane, Green Bay, WI, 54304. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Goggins and his staff, the Affinity Hospice Program and nurse Cass, and Dr. Ahmed Al-Hazzouri and staff at Florida Cancer Center for the excellent care and compassion given to Ted and his family. We do not believe the cancer beat you, God just chose to let you rest. Youre the strongest person weve ever known and youve had the respect of everyone thats been fortunate enough to know you. Theyre lucky in heaven to have you. We know youll make them laughjust like you made us smile here. Thanks for making our lives so special.