Joseph C. Biesterveld, Little Chute, age 84 died Sunday July 4, 2010 at his home. He was born in Little Chute on December 7, 1925 to the late Adrain and Stella (Kadinger) Biesterveld. Joe served in the Navy during World War II and was a member of the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258. He married Gladys Van Linn on April 29, 1948 in San Diego, CA. She preceded him in death on September 12, 2003 after 55 years of marriage. Joe was employed at American Can until his retirement in 1987. He also worked part time at the Little Chute Lumberyard. Joe was a lifelong member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church. He took great pride in digging the graves at the parish cemetery for over 50 years. Together, he and Gladys were avid motorcyclists. Joe cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his children: Dan "Boomer" (Mary), Combined Locks; Nancy, Appleton; Leon (Carolyn), Little Chute; Benjie (Kim), Little Chute; Sherrie (Ken) Hoelzel, Kaukauna; Cindy (Pete) Baehman, Oshkosh; and Todd (special friend Lisa Hietpas), Kaukauna; daughter-in-law Theresa Biesterveld, Kaukauna; grandchildren: Diane (Andy) Huebner, Duane, Brian, Alicia, Tyler, Josey, Judd, Mike, John (Melissa), Jacob, Ashley and Brian (Katie) Biesterveld, Dana Parker, Raymond (Vicky) Van Asten, Mike (Amy) Vander Zanden, Joey (Rod) Reader, Lisa (Rick) Arent, Kelly (Jesse) Effa, Billie Jo Hoelzel, Jessica, Ryne and Brett Baehman; numerous great grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Leo (Rita) and Jerry Biesterveld, Rosaline Fleming and Betty Mathy; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Linda (Tom) Shabo, Sandy "Butch" (Gene) Vande Hey, Jack, Rita and Delaine Van Linn. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Joe was preceded in death by his children: Michael, Joe and 3 infant children; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Dick Schuh, Jim Mathy, Bob Fleming, Bill, Ed and Robert Van Linn, Mary Jane Wendel and Elaine Honick.

Visitation will be held Thursday July 8, 2010 beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute. The Rev. David J. Funk, O.F.M. Cap. will officiate. Military rites conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will immediately follow. Committal St. John Cemetery.

The Biesterveld's would like to extend their gratitude to Paula and Jon Sanders for the love and care given to Joe.