Sylvester Vander Heiden

Sylvester William Joseph Vander Heiden, age 99 of Kimberly, passed away peacefully in his home with family on Sunday, April 12, 2026.  After almost a century on earth, he was ready for his journey to heaven to reunite with the loved ones that have gone before him.

Sylvester (Ves) was born to Leonard and Maria (DeYager) Vander Heyden in Combined Locks on March 10, 1927.   His mother passed away when he was just 2 years old, leaving his father to raise Ves and his younger brother, Andrew, on his own in Little Chute.   Leonard and his two sons moved in with both the VanderWeyst and Vanden Hogen families for a time during his childhood.  Ves truly appreciated the generosity of both families, as they provided the important love and support of a larger family, and relationships that endured a lifetime.  Ultimately, Leonard and his sons moved into a house (log cabin) on Vanden Brook street, just a block away from St. John’s church and school where he was an altar boy and graduated from high school in 1946.  He was known among his classmates as “Curly”.

Ves married his beautiful bride, Rita Vanden Hogen, on September 4, 1954, in Little Chute.   They cherished their new life together and built a house in Kimberly shortly after their marriage and filled it with a family of 4 children:  Jim, Ann, Tom and Scott.  He enjoyed spending time turning the house into a home for the growing family and would look forward to taking long walks with his children and grandchildren to the Fox River in nearby Sunset Park to explore and find adventure.  His self-made walking sticks and ability to imitate a wren’s song were legendary.

Ves had a 44-year career at Kimberly Clark.   He began at Kimberly Mill in the finishing room after high school, alongside his father and friends.  He took some time out of his career to enlist in the Army in 1950.   As his family grew, he took a position as a Paper Technician in the Research and Development center in Neenah.  Ultimately, he became a Fiber Microscopist and was proud of his contributions to the development of paper products.    He retired in 1989 and enjoyed 37 years of retirement, filled with travel, hobbies including golfing and bowling, and anything that would bring him closer to the outdoors that he loved.  Since Rita passed away 6 years ago, he had embraced this new chapter in life… usually found on his front porch with friends and family whenever the weather would allow.

Sylvester was a truly kind soul, who would make friends easily and connect with people through his natural charm and wit.  While a quiet and thoughtful man, his interest in people was genuine, and he would go to extraordinary lengths to help anyone in need.  As a father, he was both an inspiring role model and teacher, with much of the teaching done at the workbench or while out for a walk in the woods.  He was a gifted storyteller.

Ves Is survived by his children, Jim (Debbie) Vander Heiden, Ann (Jeff) Gillis, Tom (Kim) Vander Heiden and Scott (Joy) Vander Heiden.  He is also survived by his treasured grandchildren, Brittney (Tyler) Franklin, Delaney (Alex) Vander Heiden, Kelsey (Kevin) McKibbin, John Gillis, Kassi (Matthew) Chase, Joshua (Katie) Vander Heiden, Zachary (Danielle) Vander Heiden, Hannah Vander Heiden, and George H. Vander Heiden; and great grandchildren Henry and Anna Franklin, Graham and Brooks McKibbin, and Carter and Caroline Chase.  Ves was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Rita; parents Leonard and Maria Vander Heyden; grandchild George J. Vander Heiden; brother Andy Vander Heiden; and brother-in-law Fr. Paul Vanden Hogen.

A funeral Mass to celebrate Sylvester’s life will be held at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute, on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:30am.  Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00am until the time of the mass. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

Ves touched many lives in his long and fulfilling 99 years and made so many memorable friends along the way.  He will be remembered for his engaging sense of humor, gentle touch, and genuine kindness to all that he encountered.  He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and loved always. 

Rest in peace, Dad.