Elmer Vander Velden, 101, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 14, 2024 at Tender Hearts Assisted Living. He had previously resided in Sobieski and at Crooked Lake. Elmer was born March 28, 1923 to the late Anton and Catherine (Hermsen) Vander Velden. Elmer proudly served his country for three years in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre where he was awarded numerous medals and ribbons along with five battle stars. On October 19, 1946 he married Lorraine Verheyden at St. John the Baptist Church. She was the absolute love of his life and they shared 73 wonderful years together before her passing in April of 2020. Elmer retired from the Brown County Highway Department in 1985. While living at Crooked Lake he was a volunteer fireman for the local fire department. His faith was an important part of his life, he listened to mass and prayed the rosary daily.

Survivors include five children and their spouses: Ron Vander Velden, Wausaukee; Rog (Nancy) Vander Velden, Abrams; Sue (Dan) Dery, Suamico; Mike Vander Velden, Oconto; Steve Vander Velden, Sobieski. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Joy (Steve) Strasburg, Jodi (Blair) Larson, Jessica (Brad) Specht, Dawn (Jonas) Alberts, Jeff (Beth) Vander Velden; Andrea (Dan) Wesolowski, Matt (LeeAnna) Nagel, Ryan (Traci) Nagel, Christy (Craig) Babiarz, Chad Vander Velden, Stephanie (Marc) Miller, Rachel (Ryan) Paschen: 27 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Gladys Ambrosius and one brother Gerald Vander Velden; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine, two daughters-in-law, Mary Vander Velden and Karen Vander Velden; a son-in-law, Bruce Nagel, a granddaughter, Jaime Vander Velden. He was also preceded in death by three brothers: Virgil (Eva) Vander Velden, Henry (Joyce) Vander Velden, his twin brother and best friend Wilmer (Fern) Vander Velden, two sisters: Verona (John) McNamara and Mary (John) Kosinski; brother-in law, Carlton Ambrosius and sister-in-law, Jean Vander Velden. Also preceding are sisters-in-law and brothers- in-law: Martha (Leo) Scray, Stella (Bernard) Davis, Eleanor (Ambrose) Kropp, Earl (Geneva) Verheyden, Norma (Alvin) Gerrits, Donald Verheyden who was killed in World War II, Dorothy (John) Van Boxtel, Harvey (Anita) Verheyden.

Friends and family will gather at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., (The entrance is directly across from BP gas station on Glendale Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 19; Mass to follow at 1 p.m. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

Elmer was an incredible person and loved by many. Even at 101 years old, he continued to be witty, loving, kind and a joy to be around. His memory was sharp and he loved telling stories of growing up on the family farm, his huge collection of El Caminos and all the happy times that he, Lorraine and the entire family shared. Until 3 days before his passing he continued to work daily on his jigsaw puzzles of which he had put together thousands, glued them and gave them out as presents.

Thank you to Dr. Hartig and his staff and also to Heartland Hospice for making Elmer's last few months much easier for all of us. Also a special THANK YOU to the entire staff at Tender Hearts Assisted Living. You have provided our Dad with love, respect and excellent care for the five years he resided there. Dad loved you all and considered Tender Hearts to be his home. We will be forever grateful for all you have done for him and for our family.