Eugene Henry Van Camp

Eugene H. “Gene” Van Camp, 84, of Freedom, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 14, 2015. He was born on September 27, 1930, son of Frank and Magdeline (Biese) Van Camp. On September 3, 1952, Gene was united in marriage to Dolores Nelessen at St. Paul Catholic Church in Wrightstown. Together they raised their 11 children on the family dairy farm in Freedom where they taught their children how to work hard and enjoy life.  Most importantly, they lived and shared their deep faith, as exemplified by their compassion for others, honesty and commitment to always do the right thing.

Gene was a lifetime member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Freedom, serving as a trustee for many years.  Throughout his life, Gene enjoyed working the family farm side by side with his wife Dolores and their children. In addition, he found great joy driving his bus route for Swinkles, traveling in his motorhome, the Green Bay Packers and bowling.  His greatest enjoyment was time spent with family.  Gene was a genuine, hardworking and faithful man who will be truly missed.

Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dolores; his children: Sue (Charlie Sheppard) Van Camp; and her son, Ben Vanden Heuvel; Lee (Lisa) Van Camp; and their children: Matt (Danielle) and Sarah; Carol (Dave) Vosters; and their children: Jesse (fiancé Becky), Dana (Jason) Wilkinson and Ryan (fiancé Brittany); Wayne (Carol) Van Camp; and their children: Darren (Erin), Chad (Wendy) and Tedd (Hilary); Mary (John) Van Deraa; and their son Craig (Jessalyn) Garvey; Peggy (Elmer) Eiting; and their children: Brady and Peyton; Lynn (Tom) Van Zeeland; and their children: Alex and Nicole; Patricia Van Stralen; and her children: Evan, Chloe and Avery; Barb (Dave) Strick; and their children: Jade, Taylor and Jordan; Dawn (Paul Blair) Van Camp; Brad (Carol) Van Camp; and their children: Norah, Jack and Hank; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Floyd (Joanne) Van Camp; a sister, Mary Van De Hey; brothers and sisters-in-law: Therese Van Camp, Helen (Jim VanVreede) Diedrick, Dolly (Dale) Meulemans, Rita Nelessen, Marian Nelessen and Bernice Nelessen; his faithful dog companion, Odie; and many other family members and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Kyle Van Camp; a great-grandson, Cooper Wilkinson; siblings: Marcel Van Camp, Alois (Dolores) Van Camp, Glen Van Camp and Gerald (Donna) Van Camp; a brother-in-law, Amos Van De Hey; Godchildren: Roger Vosters and Dan Van De Hey; and many members of Dolores’ family.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon, on Friday, February 20, 2015, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 County Road S, Freedom, with Fr. Walter Stumpf officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday, February 19, 2015, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.  Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Freedom. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The Van Camp family would like to express a special thank you to Nurse Mary Weber, whose loving care and compassion was a blessing to our family.  We would also like to express our gratitude to Father Walter Stumpf, Deacon Gary Vanness, Dr. Whiteside, Dr. Scott, Affinity Hospice and all who have provided support and prayers.

 Service Information