With faith in the Resurrection of our Lord, we offer our prayers for Rev. John H. Van Deuren, who entered eternal life on April 19, 2025, at the age of 93.

Father Van Deuren was born on March 29, 1932, in Green Bay, WI, son of John Henry and Bernice (Lu Maye) Van Deuren. He attended High School and College at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee. He went on to pursue a Theology degree at the American College, University of Louvain, Belgium. On June 28, 1959, Father Van Deuren was ordained by Bishop Mc Nulty for the Diocese of Green Bay in Louvain, Belgium.

Father Van Deuren's first assignment was at St. Pius X Parish in Appleton. In 1965, he was appointed Assistant Pastor at St. Agnes Parish in Green Bay and in 1967 was assigned as Assistant Pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Oconto and remained there until 1995. While serving in Oconto, Fr. Van Deuren served on the staff of St. Francis Seminary, and in 1973 pursued additional studies in Clinical Pastoral Education at St. Luke's Hospital in Chicago. In 1974, he joined the Pastoral Care Department and the Pastoral Development Department at the Sacred Heart Center, Oneida. In 1976, Father became a member of the Permanent Diaconate Board and was reappointed in 1982. Fr. Van Deuren became the Director of Pastoral Care while continuing as Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor for the Diocese. In 1984, Father became the Diocesan Director of Clinical Education and Director of Pastoral Education at St. Mary Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay. Fr. Van Deuren also served on the Personnel Board and was chairman of the Leo Benevolent Association for 10 years. In 1995, Father was assigned as temporary Administrator of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Green Bay and became Associate Pastor in 1997, continuing to serve there until retirement in 2002. Fr. Van Deuren continued serving the faithful in the Diocese of Green Bay as Priest Celebrant and Priest Moderator at St. Louis Parish, Dyckesville, and Sacramental Minister at various parishes where needed.

He devoted his life to serving others, particularly those less fortunate. His love, caring, sense of humor, and kindness were cherished by all who knew him. He enjoyed cycling, golf, and walks with his sister. He will be greatly missed by the countless people whose lives he touched.

He is survived by nephews, Paul (Betsy) Poehlmann, John (Mary) Poehlmann, William (Julie) Poehlmann; niece, Jeanne (Cal) Burnton; 12 grand nephews and nieces, and numerous great-grandnephews and nieces.

Fr. Van Deuren is predeceased by his parents, John and Bernice (Lu Maye) Van Deuren; brother, Robert; sister, Patricia (Jack) Poehlmann.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2771 Oakwood Dr, Green Bay, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM, with a concluding prayer service at 6:45PM. Visitation will continue at the same location Monday, April 28, from 9:00am until the time of the Funeral Liturgy.

The Funeral Liturgy, expressing our faith in the promised glory of the Lord's Resurrection, will be at 11:00AM on Monday, April 28, with Most Reverend David L. Ricken as Celebrant. Fr. Mark Vander Steeg, Vicar for Priests, will be the homilist. A private burial will take place at Allouez Catholic Cemetery, Green Bay.

Fr. John's family expresses its sincere gratitude to the entire Renaissance Health Center staff for their dedicated support and service, and to the countless visitors and friends who visited and comforted Fr. John there over the last nine months. Donations can be made to Paul's Pantry, St. John Ministries, and Ecumenical Partnership for Housing (EPH).