Charles "Chuck" Van Asten

Charles “Chuck” Van Asten, age 77, found peace on April 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with interstitial lung disease (ILD). He was blessed to be at home, surrounded by his loving wife and children, as he completed his life's journey.

Chuck was born on March 30, 1949, to Melvin and Lexi Van Asten and grew up in Little Chute, Wisconsin. On March 8, 1969, he married the love of his life, Sandi Weigman. Chuck was drafted into the U.S. Army, and together they began their life’s adventures in Texas and Germany.

Following his military service, Chuck began a 34-year career with Appleton Papers. Together, he and Sandi raised three children and built a lifetime of memories—especially during summers spent on Arbutus Lake, teaching their children the joys of Wisconsin’s great outdoors. Later, they turned their love of the outdoors into camping trips with dear friends, creating countless stories and laughter along the way.

Chuck was always happiest helping others, especially his kids with home projects or tinkering with one of his own. In their later years, he and Sandi enjoyed traveling with friends and fishing trips to Canada, a tradition that brought him enduring joy.

A lifelong baseball fan, Chuck rarely missed a Brewers game and was a true member of the “Brew Crew.” He was also a proud and loving grandpa who treasured cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events and teaching them life lessons—especially how to fish like a pro.

Chuck found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: a good day on the lake, a perfect fish fry, time spent outdoors, a cold Miller High Life, and a friendly game of cards. Above all, he was known for his quiet generosity, his steady presence, and the goodness he shared with everyone around him.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Sandi; his children Kelly (Boyd) Randerson, Kristen (Jerry) Ratajczak, and Brian (Quinn) Van Asten; and his treasured grandchildren Will (Angela) Randerson, Claudia Randerson, Reece Randerson, Colin (Savannah) Daniels, Gavin Daniels, Camron (Joe Fahning) Ratajczak, Jack Ratajczak, and Callen Van Asten. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Charlotte Randerson and Nolan Randerson.  Rose Franzke, Jean (Randy) Huss, Linda Weigman, Bob and Valinda Weigman, Vicky Van Asten, and Patrick Hughes, as well as many extended family and dear friends.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Lexi and Melvin Van Asten; his sister, Jackie Hughes,  brother, Melvin “Butch” Van Asten, in-laws Leo and Helen Weigman, Steve and Lynn Weigman, Jack and Vickie Weigman, Mike Houlihan and a great niece Kennedy Van Asten.

The funeral Mass for Chuck will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek St., Little Chute.  A time of visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the mass at church. For online condolences and a full obituary please see www.verkuilenfh.com.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Chuck’s providers at the VA, Dr. Nicholas Freeman whose candid honesty, paired with a deeply human approach to care provided clarity.  We hope the hot spots Chuck shared with you are full of perch.  They are also grateful to Jen Rudelich, RN, Chuck's compassionate hospice nurse whose warmth and presence brought light and comfort to even the most difficult moments.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that he is at peace. Well done, good and faithful servant. You will be missed beyond words and remembered always by the legacy of love you left behind.

Chuck, you left me with a big hole in my heart, but it makes me happy to know that you are at peace in the arms of God and breathing free, Love you forever and always… ME