Ronald J. Viaene
July 16, 1938 ~ January 22, 2017 (age 78) 78 Years OldShare using:
Ronald J. Viaene, age 78, of Lakewood, formerly of Little Chute, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 22, 2017. He was born on July 16, 1938, son of the late Bernard “Ben” and Alice (Van Schindel) Viaene. Ron married Alyce Main on May 7, 1960, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Kaukauna. Together they shared 46 years of marriage before her passing in 2006.
After attending St. John High School in Little Chute, Ron served his country in the US Army National Guard. He was a member of the 32 Infantry during the Vietnam War. Ron was a member of the American Legion Post 44 in Wabeno.
Ron pursued a career as a home builder after attending Chicago Technical College for courses on Architectural Drafting. He owned and operated Ron Viaene Realty and Construction and built and sold homes as a general contractor and broker in the Fox Valley for over 45 years. Ron designed and drew most of the plans for the homes he constructed. He was extremely proud of the business he built and the work that was completed. Ron was a member of the Valley Home Builders Association for over 40 years.
In 1965, there was a newspaper article naming Ron as the Badger Northland Man of the Year, an award he was honored to accept. Ron and Alyce retired and moved up north to their Boot Lake home in 2002. After the passing of Alyce, Ron still enjoyed many years with his great friends in the Townsend/Lakewood area. Ron was a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church, Lakewood. He was also a member of the Red Arrow Snowmobile Club and the McCaslin Lions Club. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and spending time with his family.
Ron is survived by his children: Tom (Kathy Kunz) Viaene, Jim (Julie Block) Viaene, Jennifer (Mark Bresnahan) Viaene, David (Kelly) Viaene, Ron (Michelle) Viaene; grandchildren: Layne and Brendon Viaene, Emily (Drew) Bogard, Stacy and Natalie Van Dyke, Rebecca, Ben, Amanda, Jake and Allison Viaene; great grandchildren: Owen Viaene and Ellie Bogard; sisters: Janet (Mark) Biese and Carol (Dan) Philipsen; brothers and sisters-in-law: Bob (Sue) Main, Barb (LeRoy) Beck, Marylee Bachhuber; a special friend, Karen; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Alyce; his parents, Ben and Alice; and a brother-in-law, Alphose Bachhuber.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, January 27, 2017, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 323 S. Pine Street, Little Chute, with Fr. Ron Belitz officiating. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.
A memorial Mass will also be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017, at St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church, 15232 County Road F, Lakewood. Friends may call at the church Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Full military honors will be performed by the American Legion Post 44, Wabeno, after the Mass.
Thank you for always being such a wonderful big brother. I miss you already. –Janet “Sis”
I’ll miss hearing my nickname “Catchee” that you gave me and always called me. You’ve been the best brother anyone could ask for. Miss you forever. –Carol “Catchee”
