Mr. Bernard "Dutch" Van De Yacht, 85, formerly of Oneida, passed away peacefully with his family at his side Saturday, August 20, 2005. He was born May 2, 1920, in Little Chute to the late Theodore and Frances (Klein) Van De Yacht. On November 21, 1942, he married Violetta "Vi" Marks at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Howard. Dutch and Vi loved to dance and play cards with their many friends. She preceded him in death February 2, 1995. Dutch was a proud husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a strict disciplinarian, but had a gentle heart and a generous spirit.

Dutch was a lifetime farmer and had been employed by Farmco Co-op, De Pere. He founded Van De Yacht Well Drilling and was later a branch manager for Lindsey Pump Company. He enjoyed bowling and was an avid Packers fan. He was a member of St. Agnes Parish and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree.

The family that prays together, stays together. This is what our father lived by. The Rosary was the center of our life as we grew up in this wonderful Catholic family.

Survivors include 12 children and their spouses, Bill and Bernadine Van De Yacht, Ledgeview; Leo and Mary Van De Yacht, Suamico; Bob and Sue Van De Yacht, Oneida; Diane and Chuck Tappa, Oneida; Ken and Lyn Van De Yacht, FL; Nick and Amy Van De Yacht, Howard; Gery and Carol Van De Yacht, Suamico; Kevin and Carol Van De Yacht, Oneida; Debbie and Dennis Kabara, Pulaski; Dawn and Rick Niemi, Jr., Pulaski; Donna and John Thormann, PA; Bernie and Valerie Van De Yacht, CA; 36 grandchildren, Tom, Tammy, Tracy, Lisa, Lori, Troy, Eric, Lance, Lorne, Leah, Andy, Jennilyn, Michelle, Melissa, Nick Jr., Jessie, Carrie, Adam, Killeen, Chad, Kristi, Amy, Jason, Amanda, Courtney, Dylan, Dana, Brianna, Gavin, Spencer, Stephanie, Justin, Celine, Sophie, Janssen, Joseph, 19 great-grandchildren, one brother, Theodore Van De Yacht, Isaar, one sister, Veronica VanBoxtel, Green Bay and a special friend, Jackie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his daughter, Mary Ann, a daughter-in-law, Cindee Van De Yacht, a great-granddaughter, 6 brothers and sisters.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday (today). There will be a Parish Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. Monday. The Knights of Columbus 4th Degree will provide an honor guard from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Due to the construction on Shawano Ave., please use the Leo St. entrance to the parking lot of Blaney Funeral Home. Friends may also call from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 Ninth St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Church with Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Howard.

The Van De Yacht family extends a special thank you to Shelia and her caring staff and Dutch's friends at Harbor House. Thank you also to everyone at Unity Hospice for your dedicated care of Dad.