Russell Patrick (Dutch) Van Straten, died peacefully from natural causes on February 6, 2023.

Russ was born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1936, to Aloysius and Cecilia Van Straten.  He was the middle child and most Irish of 11 brothers and sisters. Dad grew up in the small town of Shiocton, WI, where he seemed to know everyone.  Dad had a wonderful childhood, spending lots of time with his family and friends. He enjoyed school and participated in football, basketball, baseball, band, and forensics. Dad did all of this while fulfilling his primary responsibility of helping out on the family farm.

Dad earned a Bachelor's degree in education in 1959 from UW Oshkosh.  Shortly after, dad met mom, the love of his life, Geraldine Williamson (Van Straten), and they married on April 23, 1960.   Dad began his teaching career in 1960 at Auburndale High School.  Russ returned to graduate school at UW Madison and received his Master's Degree in counseling & guidance in 1963.  From there, they moved to Winneconne, WI where he accepted a counseling position at the high school.

He was employed for 30 years at Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) in Appleton, where he completed his career as a counselor and registrar retiring in 1996.

Russ was an active member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and school for over 50 years serving many years on the parish council, the Board of Education, and as a basketball coach.

Dad loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren.  He also enjoyed deer hunting on his family's property.  He took over 5,000 car rides over the years with Andy, possibly showing and telling Andy where he got his first deer (not a buck) over 500 times.  Russ loved to golf and was an exceptional putter. Dad was a sports enthusiast his entire life, especially supporting his alma mater, the Wisconsin Badgers and also the Green Bay Packers. He could be found in blaze orange in Section 137 at Lambeau. No one was dressed warmer. As he always said "you can always take off layers, but you can't put more clothes on."

He devoted most of his time glorifying God by helping out anyone in need whether serving communion, donating blood, or driving the elderly. For many years Dad cared for our mom, Gerri, when she was in poor health.  After losing her, he moved in to care for four of his siblings (Joyce, Lennie, Alice and Karen) for many more years.

Russell was preceded in death by his loving wife of 35 years, Geraldine, his parents Aloysius and Cecilia, and his siblings, Roger, Donny, Gerald, Joyce, Alice, Lenny, and Karen. Russ is survived by three siblings: Carl Van Straten, Daniel Van Straten, and Mary Van Kirk.  Dad is survived by his four children: Jeff (Kathy) Van Straten, Laurie (Tim) Brockman, Stephanie (Bob) Larkin, and Andy Van Straten. Grandpa is survived by ten grandchildren: Abby (Jacob) Schwanz, Michael (Carolyn) Van Straten, and Jenny Van Straten (Ross); Travis (Emily) Brockman, Justin Brockman, and Devin Brockman; Claire Larkin; Josh Gohr, Andrea Abbott, and Lindsey Folta.  Great grandchildren: Maggie, Nora, Theo, and Henry Schwanz; Willa, Vanna, and Calla Brockman.  Also included is Dad's close special friend, Sharon Salm and family.

Russ left a legacy of love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and a life that fully reflected this love.  Dad will further be remembered for his great sense of humor, jokes, teasing, and storytelling.  He had a ready laugh for everyone.  He touched many hearts, probably yours, throughout his lifetime.

There will be a celebration of his eternal life on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N McDonald Street, Appleton with Fr. Larry Seidl officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00am, prior to the funeral mass at 11:00am.

Russ's family would like to thank all of the staff at St. Paul's Eldercare, Primrose Retirement Community (special thanks to Sarah), Moments Hospice, Deacon Tim Downey, and Dr. Megan Everson of Mosaic Family Health. They all lovingly cared for our Dad & our family these past months with kindness, love, and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, any donations will be directed to a memorial fund.