Michael D. Vander Loop

Michael D. Vander Loop, age 75, of Appleton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on April 2, 2026 after a courageous 16-month battle with cancer. He was born to the late Dorothy and Henry Vander Loop on January 6, 1951. Mike was a graduate of Kaukauna High School, class of 1969. He retired from Appvion, formerly Appleton Papers.

Mike will be remembered as an incredibly hard worker, someone who took pride in providing for his family, and giving his best in everything he did. His strength, determination, and quiet resilience left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. “Mikey” was always available to help his children and friends while extending his support and advice to all he knew. He was the guy who would truly give you the shirt off his back, the guy who would work a 12 hour day and then show up to help you roof your house.

Outside of work, he found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life. He especially loved fishing on Lake Winnebago, where he could be found chasing perch and walleye while enjoying the peace of the water and the rhythm of the day. He also loved golfing, playing cribbage, whiskey cocktails, and sharing laughter and camaraderie with friends and family. A dedicated Wisconsin sports fan, Mike especially enjoyed listening to the Milwaukee Brewers on the radio, following the games closely and finding comfort and excitement in every season. These moments reflected the kind of man he was - grounded, loyal, and appreciative of the time he had.

He was eternally devoted to his wife, Janet, with whom he shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on love, simplicity, and togetherness. They cherished time spent sitting outside, welcoming neighbors, friends, and family, and creating countless memories through easy conversation and shared laughter.

As a father, Mike was the best. He was always available for a game of catch to prepare you for the games he would never miss. He loved to take the family camping where they would go fishing, boating, and exploring.

Mike was a loving grandfather who adored his three grandchildren deeply. He rarely missed a chance to attend their school and sporting events, always showing up with encouragement, pride, and unwavering support.

He will be remembered best in the peaceful moments—a line soaked in St. Catherine’s Bay on Lake Winnebago, the sound of Bob Uecker’s voice on the radio, and evenings spent next to a fire sitting outside beside Janet, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; two children: Eric (Karen) Vander Loop and Lana (Jeff) Shulse; three grandchildren: Alex, Will, and Austin. He is also survived by his brothers Dick (Jan) Vander Loop, Joe (Rose) Vander Loop, Tim (Bonnie) Vander Loop, Tom (Angela) Vander Loop, Jim (Sherry) Vander Loop; sisters, Betty Natrop, Ann Swanningson, Judy Schley, and Peggy (Nick) Popp; brothers-in-law, John Hartl, Bill (Margie) Vander Heiden, Bob (Deb) Vander Heiden, and Mark (Sue) Vander Heiden; and sisters-in-law, Mary Vander Loop, Joyce (Tom) Lamers, Betty (Guy) Senso; as well his godchildren, Carrie Salmi and Jestin Schmidt along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Pat Hartl; his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Angela Vander Loop; his brother, Gary Vander Loop; his sister-in-law, Nan Vander Loop; his brothers-in-law, Robert Swanningson, Russ Natrop, Reuben Schley, Norm Schley, Randy Vander Heiden, and Peter Vander Heiden; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Mildred Vander Heiden.

The family would like to thank the many people who helped Mike during his battle with cancer. Thank you to the family members, friends, and neighbors who consistently reached out to help in any way possible. It didn’t go unnoticed and we love you. We can’t thank ThedaCare Hospice and Interim HealthCare enough for the many heroic humans they sent to us each day to keep Mike comfortable and at home. These people reminded us of the infinite good that still exists in the world.

The memorial service for Mike will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive Kaukauna, WI. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home with Perry Vander Loop officiating. For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Mission Myeloma in Mike’s memory at: https://www.missionmyeloma.org/.