Sylvester E. Vanden Hogen, age 93, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He was born in Little Chute on December 16, 1932, to the late Martin and Catherine (Verkuilen) Vanden Hogen. Following his graduation from St. John's High School, Ves served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. On April 25, 1959, he married the love of his life, Eunice Heimmermann, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Appleton. They spent the next 56 years together, raising their four kids and building a life they loved, until her passing in August of 2015.

Ves dedicated over 30 years to Thilmany Pulp and Paper, earning a well-deserved retirement.  He was a lifelong member of St. John's and belonged to the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258. He loved cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers and treasured trips to the casino with Eunice, but above all, Ves cherished his family. He was sweet and kind, always willing to do anything for those he loved. He was the best "Bumpa" to the grandkids and great grandkids always having their favorite candy bar or ice cream treat ready for them when they visited. To know Ves was to love him; his quietly funny personality was sure to put a smile on your face. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but there is great comfort in knowing he is home with Eunice/Mom.

Ves is survived by his children: Paula (Doug) Slater, Bruce Vanden Hogen, Robert (Kathy) Vanden Hogen, and Mike (Jenn) Vanden Hogen; his grandchildren: Elizabeth (Troy) DeBruin, Meghan (Joshua) DeWitt, Emily (Ben) Richards, Matthew (Brooke) Vanden Hogen, Natalee (fiancé Bailey Laux) Vanden Hogen, and Leah Vanden Hogen; and his great grandchildren: Chase and Jackson DeWitt, and Karleigh and Cameron DeBruin. He is further survived by his brother-in-law, Dan Van Boxtel, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ves is preceded in death by his wife, Eunice; his stepfather, Leonard DeWitt; his siblings: Joe (Ruth) Vanden Hogen, Wilma (Clarence) Van Hammond, Clarence Vanden Hogen, Theresa (Doug) Buchberger, and Julie (Lyle) DeValk; his parents-in-law, Joseph and Genevieve Heimmermann; and his siblings-in-law: Joseph (Myrtle) Heimmermann, Georgine (Lawrence) Gengler, Germaine Van Boxtel, Carlton (Lucy) Heimmermann, and David (Ruby) Heimmermann.

Visitation for Ves will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026, at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute) beginning at 3:00 p.m. and concluding at 4:45 p.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 5:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ronald Belitz officiating. Military Honors will follow conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258. Committal St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established. To sign the guestbook, please visit oconnellfh.com.

The Vanden Hogen family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Linda and Craig of Compassus Hospice, whose compassionate care provided comfort and peace in Dad's final days.