Francis (Frank) Michael Van Stappen, age 84 of Little Chute, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family, March 20, 2012. He was born November 28, 1927 to the late Francis and Margaret (Stein) Van Stappen , in Chicago, IL. Frank attended Lane Tech High School, Chicago until he enlisted in the US Navy in 1944. On February 10, 1953 Frank married Theresa VerVoort at St. Theresa Church, Appleton, WI. Frank was a member of St. John's, Little Chute. He was also a member of the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258.

Frank worked as a maintenance mechanic at Krambo, Inc. and United Groceries/Roundy's until the time of his retirement. He was an avid reader, enjoyed the outdoors, and spent many summers fishing at his trailer in Florence, WI.

The greatest love of Frank's life was his family. He is preceded in death by his wife Theresa, his son Mike, his parents Francis and Margaret, and a brother Fred. He will be sadly missed by his children: Deb (Jerry) Reardon, Kimberly, Mark (Solveig) Van Stappen, Little Chute, Linda (Steve) Sanderfoot, Little Chute, and daughter in-law Julie(Mike)Van Stappen, Washburn. He will forever be loved by his grandchildren: Erin Reardon, Tim Reardon, Levi Van Stappen, Matt Van Stappen, Travis (Kelly)Schinke, Nicole (Brad) VerVoort, Jessica Van Stappen, Casey Van Stappen, Joe Sanderfoot, Emily Sanderfoot and great-grandchildren, Braden and Miles Schinke.

He is further survived by his brothers, Bill (Nancy) Van Stappen, Florida , and Ralph (Teri) Vannett, Pelican Lake, WI¸ sisters-in law, Sr. Jean Anthony VerVoort, Nellie VerVoort , Millie VerVoort, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Frank was a kind and loving man who was blessed in life to have so many friends and neighbors. Thank you to those who stopped by to visit. Dad was always happy to see everyone. A special thank you to Rose for your pies, soup, and concern, and to Russ for
checking on Dad and all those days you walked his faithful friend YoYo.

Visitation will be held Saturday March 24, 2012 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. Military rites conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will immediately follow. Committal St. John Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Theda Care Home Care Hospice, especially Nurse Leslie, Cherry Meadows Staff, and Home Instead Caregivers, Louise, Delores and Sally who helped Dad live the last few months in his home with his little dog YoYo and his pipe.

I give my family this one thought to keep –I am with you still - I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awake in the morning's hush I am the swift, uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone - I am with you still - in each new dawn.