Robert "Bob" D. De Bruin

Robert “Bob” D. De Bruin, age 88 years, of Kaukauna, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2023 in the comfort of his home with family at his side.  Bob was born on October 4, 1934 in Little Chute, the son of the late Henry and Laura (Boser) De Bruin.  He was the eighth child of sixteen in the De Bruin family clan.

Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 (Korean War Veteran).   Bob enjoyed the Northeast Wisconsin Old Glory Honor Flight Mission 53 on October 23, 2019.  He was a 68 year member of the American Legion Jacob Coppus Post 258 of Little Chute.

Robert married the former Janice Wierschke on July 27, 1957 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kaukauna.  Bob started his foundry work at Giddings & Lewis in Kaukauna.  Bob retired in October of 1996 from Bank One (Chase) Bank in Appleton and enjoyed working at U.S. Venture following his retirement. 

Bob loved the outdoors and putzing around in the garage, basement or the yard.  He was always on the go and it was difficult for him to sit still. 

Bob and his siblings were avid card players, especially enjoying a hand of cribbage or sheepshead. The family holds on to the memories that were made over 40 years up north by Rollingstone Lake and the time together fishing to catch the keepers. 

Bob and Janice were charter members of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Kaukauna and current members of St. Katharine Drexel Parish.  They enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul in Kaukauna.

He enjoyed attending all of his children and grandchildren’s activities.  Bob was a caring, faithful and gentle soul, his family meant the world to him!

Bob is survived by his loving wife and “honey bun” of 66 years, Janice De Bruin; his dear children and grandchildren: Kathy (Steve) Kasper – Charles Jr. Kasper and LaKisha Jackson-Kasper; Lori (Steve) Dunphy – Jody (Bob Frankel) Dunphy; Steve De Bruin – Tyler (Kaitlin) De Bruin, Ashley (Cory) Nackers and Mitchell De Bruin; Brian (Denise) De Bruin – Katie De Bruin and Amanda De Bruin; Debbie (Pete Swiggum) De Bruin – Brett Backhaus and Brady Backhaus; Diane (Dan) Handrich – Andrew (fiancée Megan Krajewski) Handrich and Brittany Handrich; five great grandchildren: Kaliyah Stewart, Beverly Dunphy Frankel, Emma, Gavin and Elise Nackers.

He is further survived by his siblings: Gordon De Bruin, Elaine Van Cuyk, Judy Menting and Vic (Jean) De Bruin; sisters-in-law: Juanita De Bruin, Carol De Bruin and Barbara (Don) Van De Loo and brother-in-law: Dan (Mary Ann) Wierschke.  He is further survived by eight godchildren, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; Janice’s parents: Emmett (Clara Schwalenberg) Wierschke; siblings: Donald (Maryanne), Toby (Pat), Dorothy Hawley, Lloyd, Harry, John and Lee De Bruin; half-brother: Melvin (Virgie) DeBruin; half-sisters: Clara (Roman) Simon, Genevieve (Henry) Van Schyndel and Evelyn (Martin) Van Schyndel; brothers-in-law: Casey Van Cuyk, Jim Menting and Glenn Wierschke.

The Mass of Christian burial for Robert will take place at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at St. Katharine Drexel – St. Mary’s Site, 119 W. 7th Street, Kaukauna.  Fr. Ben Pribbenow will be officiating.  The family will receive relatives and friends at the Church from 1:00 pm until 2:45 pm.  Bob will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Kaukauna with military honors.  A memorial fund has been established in his name.

A special thank you to ThedaCare Hospice for allowing Bob to be at home.  The family would like to thank Fr. Ben Pribbenow for his visits. 

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