Daniel Richard Van Lanen

Daniel R. Van Lanen, age 64, passed away of heart attack while doing something he truly loved, hunting with his sons. He was born on August 24, 1957, son of the late Eugene and Mary (Verhagen) Van Lanen. Dan married Bonnie Kons on June 23, 1978 at St. John Catholic Church in Little Chute.

Dan retired on his 60th birthday after a dedicated career at Miller Electric. He was a jack of all trades and could make anything. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it, especially his children. A few of Dan’s projects included building Bonnie and his house, remodeling the Townsend family cottage with his family, renovating the previous Iola farmhouse, and recently completing his dream cabin in Iola. Dan also enjoyed coaching the kids when they were younger and was always there to support them in their activities, especially little league and softball. He would never miss a game, whether coaching or supporting his children from the stands.

Dan would take any chance he could to get away to the cabin in Iola, known in the family as “God’s Country”. Dan’s dream was to have room for the entire family at the cabin. Everyone was welcomed! The memories made there are all so special. From building the cabin with the boys, deer hunting countless times, and spending many hours on his beloved tractor. He loved driving that tractor, using it to cut many paths, plant food plots, set up stands, recover deer, and especially taking his grandchildren for rides. His smile while driving it was priceless.

Dan was a planner and a recorder, keeping track of everything! He loved math and did many Sudoku puzzles. He loved his relax time with his dog and cats. Dan and Bonnie enjoyed 41 years with their monthly card club. In their younger years, they spent a lot of time at grandma and grandpa’s cottage in Townsend with family. They enjoyed entertaining for the Holidays and having family at the house. Dan was truly happiest spending time with his closest loved ones, especially his precious grandchildren, children and loving wife. He would often say, “We are truly blessed” when talking about his family. We can all say the same, that we were truly blessed to have such a wonderful man in our lives. Dan’s presence will be dearly missed.

Dan is survived by his wife of 43 years, Bonnie; Children and Grandchildren: Eugene (Michelle) Van Lanen (daughter, Payten), Shannon (Philip) Verboomen (childen: Raymond, Alyce and Colby) and Jered (Kayla) Van Lanen (children: Myla, Ayda and one on the way); Siblings: Donna (Randy) Diedrich, Paul (Sue) Van Lanen and Mary (Greg) Van Dyke; In-laws: Doreen (Marshall) Knutson and Kevin (Lori) Kons; Godchildren: Stephanie Knutson, Becky Janssen, Ross Kons, and Kristen Van Dyke; Nieces and Nephews: Emily Wendt, Kayla Lindsley, Amy Van Dyke, Erika Theobald, Kaylee Crawford, Mark Diedrich, Charles Diedrich, Lance Van Dyke, Daniel Van Dyke, Rob Kons, John Knutson, and Nathaniel Trickett.

Dan was preceded in death by his Parents: Eugene and Mary Van Lanen; Father and Mother-in-law, Raymond and Alyce Kons.

The Van Lanen family would like to extend a special thank you to the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Department, Waupaca EMTs and First Responders, and Waupaca Riverside Hospital. Also, a thank you to the Appleton Heart and Vascular Institute for years of care provided to Dan. We need to also thank our neighbors and friends for the wonderful support during this difficult time.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute, with Fr. Ron Belitz officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. The family would greatly appreciate wearing of masks at the church due to Covid. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

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