Jerry Vandenberg, 88, passed away peacefully at Country Villa Assisted Living in Little Chute on September 4, 2021.  Jerry was born on April 30, 1933 in Appleton. He was thankful for his visit from Father Jim and looking forward to joining Jesus in Heaven.

Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Bernice (Hietpas) Vandenberg; son, Jim (Joyce) Vandenberg, daughters, Diane (Larry) Roovers, Karen (Randy) Ruys, and Cathy (Dave) Reimer; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren. Jerry is also survived by his brother, Donny (Bev) Vandenberg; brothers-in-law: Bob (Judy) Hietpas, Freddy (Pat) Hietpas, Jer (Mary) Hietpas, David (Lynn) Hietpas; sisters-in-law: Rose Ann Lauer, Janet (David) Janssen, Carol Jirikowic and Joan Hietpas.

Jerry was predeceased in death by his parents, Joseph and Gertrude Vandenberg; sister, Ione (Delbert) Clark; brother, Tom (Phyllis) Vandenberg; father and mother-in-law Sebastian and Helen Hietpas; sisters-in-law: infant Dolores, Joyce (Joe) Kees, and Mary Ellen Hietpas; brothers-in-law: Norbert Lauer and Bill Jirikowic.

Jerry was married to Bernice for 68 years. Dad's devotion to Mom was unwavering, especially during Mom's memory care deficits and Covid.  Throughout all of life's challenges, they found a way to always be by each other's sides. They were madly in love until the day he died.

Dad was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.  Jerry was an avid sports fan, especially cheering for the Bucks, Packers and Brewers.  After Dad's retirement from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Mom and Dad spent the winter months in Las Vegas. They loved horse racing, playing black jack, video poker and 'craps.'  Some of our best memories are when all of the siblings visited Mom & Dad in Las Vegas and spent time around the 'craps' table.

Jerry also had very fond memories of his friends at Aspire Senior Living in Kimberly, especially his 'sheepshead' buddies.  He always looked forward to the Monday, Tuesday games. Dad will be missed by many people, but most especially by his beloved wife, Bernice.

Due to the rise in Covid cases, the family will have a private ceremony. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, Jerry would like nothing more than for you to raise a glass in his honor.  (Dad's favorite cocktails were Coors Light, a good Old Fashioned or a Bloody Mary!)

In lieu of a memorial, the family asks that you perform random acts of kindness in Jerry's honor.

Our family would like to express sincere thanks to all of the staff members at Country Villa Assisted Living in Little Chute and the Theda Care In Home and Hospice teams for providing such excellent professional and loving care to our father.