Surrounded by his loving family, Virgil L. Biesterveld, 76, Kaukauna, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Appleton Medical Center. Virg was born October 20, 1935 in Little Chute to the late Peter and Catherine (Geurden) Biesterveld. He married Marion Mitchell on September 8, 1956 at St. Mary Parish in Kaukauna where they were members.

Virg was employed at Appleton Coated, Locks Mill in Building Service for 41 years until his retirement in 1997. He enjoyed all the special times spent with his family and friends. Virg truly loved his spring fishing trips with his boys and his fall shopping trips with his girls. He also enjoyed watching the Packers, Badgers and Brewers and his yearly summer vacation with his family where he played cards and games and put together puzzles.

Virg was a very compassionate man and always saw the best in everyone. He was always willing to lend an ear or a hand to anyone in need. He is going to be greatly missed by many. He was blessed with many life-long friendships. His faith was very important to him and he attended Retreat at Monte Alverno for the past 52 years.

Virg is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Marion (Mitchell), Kaukauna;

his children and their families: Jeffrey (Kim) Biesterveld of Petersburg, IN and their children Ryne, Evan, and Erin;

Timm (Candee) Biesterveld of Kaukauna, and their children, Seth, Caitie, and Claire;

Kelly (Kelly) Hunsader of Luxemburg, and their children, Desiree and Taylor;

Kay (Cliff) Hartzheim of Kaukauna, and their children Kyle and Cory.

He is also survived by his brother, Don (Pat) Biesterveld, Appleton; and his sister, Mary (Mike) Ourada, Little Chute. He is further survived by four brothers-in-law: Boniface (Elsie) Mitchell, Combined Locks, and Matt (Judy) Mitchell, Leo (Dot) Mitchell, and Larry (Linda) Mitchell all of Kaukauna; and sister-in-law Barb (Gene) Vanderloop, Little Chute. He was also survived by numerous nieces, nephew, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Elaine (Les) Grones, in-laws, Peter and Ella (Feldkamp) Mitchell and sisters-in-law: Edna Mitchell, Rita and Kathy Mitchell.

Visitation will be held Tuesday December 20, 2011 at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH – ST. MARY CHURCH (119 W. 7th St. Kaukauna) beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. Jerry Pastors will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery, Little Chute. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in Virg's name.

A special thank you to the ICU staff of Appleton Medical Center for their compassionate care of Virg and his family with special thanks to Dr. William Guenther, FVHO and Dr. Greg Johnson of the Kaukauna Clinic.

Christmas was Virg's favorite holiday, and it won't be the same this year. We will miss him more than words can say. We will always remember his love for life and the way he could light up a room. We love you and you will always be in our hearts. Love, your family.