Eugene J. "Gene" Vande Loo, Kaukauna, age 83, died Thursday, January 12, 2017 working outside at his home. He was born on January 21, 1933 in Hollandtown to the late Jacob and Edna (Kerhoff) Vande Loo. He attended St. Francis grade School, Hollandtown and graduated from Kaukauna High School in1951. Eugene enlisted into the Army 1953-1955 and was sent to serve in the Korean War. Upon discharge on February 7, 1955. Gene met the love of his life, Lola, after Gene's sister Lois introduced them.

He enjoyed athletic activities with his children and coaching many of their teams. He enjoyed camping, traveling, golf, sailing and spending time with his family and friends.

Gene and Lola were blessed with nine children and thirteen grandchildren: Sue Olson and daughters Maggie and Molly; Mike Vande Loo, wife Heidi and daughter Emily and son Jacob; Donna Mitchell and daughters Samantha and Rachel; Doris Vande Loo and daughter Nicole; Sally Vande Loo; Mark Vande Loo and wife Jill and son Owen and daughter Olivia; Marvin Vande Loo and wife Michelle; Pat Vande Loo and wife Kris and daughter Emma and son Jack; and Tim Vande Loo, wife Jennifer and daughter Brookelyn and son Blake; and 9 great grandchildren.

Gene was a hardworking man who worked at Thilmany Pulp & Paper Mill for 40 years, the last eight years as a supervisor on the paper machines. After retirement from the Mill, he worked 18 years at Diamond Water.

Gene worked at St. Mary's Bingo for many years. He was a communion distributor and served on the Parish Council and School Board. Gene was a devoted St. Katharine Drexel volunteer.

Gene liked to play cards and watch the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers.

Gene loved to take pictures of his loved ones. A favorite holiday night when all of his kids were at home, they would watch slides of their childhood memories.

Gene is survived by his brothers: Robert (Theresa), Victor (Mary Jane) and Donald (Barbara); and sisters: Theresa (Ves) Van Zeeland, Alice (Jim) Hammen, Mary Lois (Frankie) Lamers, Eunice Micke and Sandra (Don) Snelling. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; sister in-law Della; and brother in-law Roger Micke.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 19, 2017 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main St. Little Chute) beginning at 5:00 p.m. until time of Parish Vigil at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue Friday, January 20, 2017 at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH -- ST. MARY CHURCH (119 W. 7th St. Kaukauna) beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.  The Rev. Jerome Pastors will officiate.  Military rites conducted by the Kaukauna V.F.W. Post 3319 will immediately follow.  Committal St. Mary Cemetery, Kaukauna. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established for St. Katharine Drexel Parish.