Daniel J. Vanevenhoven

Daniel J. Vanevenhoven, Little Chute, age 79, ran his last mile on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, following a very brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  Dan will forever be known as that shirtless jogger seen every single day running through the streets of Little Chute, rain or shine, getting his miles in.  He was born August 22, 1946, in Little Chute, Wisconsin, son of the late Ralph and Angie (VanDeraa) Vanevenhoven.  On September 22, 1972, Daniel married the late Martha (Hopfensperger) Vanevenhoven.  The couple lived in Little Chute their entire married lives.  Dan took pride in caring for his wife as she was handed the debilitating disease of multiple sclerosis.  He would not allow that disease to define her and always maintained a positive attitude and unselfishly cared for her until the very end.  He began his career in computer programming and ended it in purchasing.  He worked 25 years at Zwicker Knitting Mills and finished his career at Plexus, where he worked for 16 years.  In his later years, he enjoyed playing cards with the many new friends he met, gardening and keeping his yard immaculate, and he continued his passion for exercise at the YMCA in Kimberly until he was no longer physically able.  He loved to exchange witty banter with everyone he met and he touched the lives of countless people.  He will be missed by so many, but the stories will stick with us forever.

He is survived by his children:  Scott (Becky) Vanevenhoven, Todd (Melissa) Vanevenhoven; his sister: Nancy (David) VandenHeuvel; his brother-in-law: Ralph (Sue) Hopfensperger; his sisters-in-law: Marilyn (Al) Portman, Suzie (Kurt) Weyers.  He is further survived by several grandchildren and step grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Martha Vanevenhoven; parents: Ralph and Angie Vanevenhoven; his father and mother-in-law: Earl and Mary Hopfensperger; his brother-in-law: Jack (Lyn) Hopfensperger; his sister-in-law Gerri (Jim) Steger.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CHURCH, 411 Vandenbroek St., with Father Ron Belitz celebrating.  Friends will be received at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the loving friends and neighbors that have helped Dan in his later years, especially Kevin and Ann.  The family would also like to thank all of the friends that he met along the way that brought him so much joy in this life on earth.  He truly loved to socialize playing cards and exercising at the YMCA.  A special thank you to Roberta, Lisa, and the entire staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice that brought Dan so much comfort in his final days.  We are so thrilled that Dad is finally dancing with Mom again!