Paul R. Vander Zanden

Paul R. "Knute" Vander Zanden, age 58, passed away unexpectedly on June 8, 2021, on his beloved boat during the annual Lac Vieux Desert vacation, surrounded by the love and care of his wife. His long battle with heart disease came to an abrupt end doing what he loved most.

He was born on April 30, 1963, son of the late Raymond and Olive (Groeschel) Vander Zanden. Paul married Lu Ann Weyenberg on August 9, 1985, and they have been inseparable ever since meeting at the age of 15. His wife and his two beautiful daughters were the light of his life.

Paul was a dedicated employee of Baisch Engineering for over 37 years. He was extremely articulate and his attention to detail was second to none. He was always willing to teach his girls a valuable lesson, and was willing to lead by example with a demonstration for good measure. Paul was very patient, a great listener and very empathetic; he truly cared what others had to say. However, he also loved to tell a good story or a joke to anyone that was willing to listen.

In their free time, Paul and LuAnn enjoyed listening to live music and were yearly Mile of Music attendees. Paul loved music and was always the first to know which artist and song title as soon as he heard it. He was also an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. Sitting in his tree stand, fishing on his boat or exploring his land were a few of the things that brought him the most joy. Paul enjoyed nature so much that he was always trying to better his land, to leave it better than it was found. In many ways, this world is a much better place because of Paul Vander Zanden.

Paul is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 37 years, LuAnn Vander Zanden; his two daughters, who he was most proud of: Leah (partner, Kevin) Vander Zanden and Mara (Zachary) Vanderloop; siblings: Ron (Linda) Vander Zanden, Bob (Diane) Vander Zanden, Nancy (Dick) Coffey, Carol (Paul) Kluge, Marie (Dennis) Jeske and Rose (Gary) Vander Zanden, in-laws: Jim Killian, mother-in-law: Wilma Weyenberg, Debbie Weyenberg, Brenda (Mike) Blaschke, Linda (Jeff) Koblick, Steve (Jill) Weyenberg and Tracy (Michael) Ramirez, the family cat: Raja, and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents: Raymond and Olive Vander Zanden, sister: Donna Killian, father-in-law: Robert Weyenberg, brother-in-law: Bobby Weyenberg.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 323 S. Pine Street, Little Chute, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at church on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass at 5:00 p.m.  For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The Vander Zanden family would like to thank Kevin and Katherine Vander Zanden and Jeff and Amy Nelson for all of your life saving efforts. Your efforts and love of Paul will always be remembered.

“One more round, then we gotta go!”

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