Jerome “Jerry” “Van” Vanden Heuvel, after a five-year courageous fight with cancer, Jerry ended his earthly journey and went to his heavenly home on July 8, 2026. He was born on January 8, 1943, to the late Joseph H. and Lucille A. (Arnoldussen) Vanden Heuvel.

Jerry spent his childhood in Kaukauna, growing up on softball diamonds and playing fast pitch softball all over the state. There are fond memories of his Schouten Oiler days, where he was chosen MVP 3 years. In high school he fell in love with his favorite classmate Sharon Seiltz. They married on October 10, 1964. God blessed them with a son, James “Jim,” and a daughter Joy. They spent 61 years of marriage, strengthening their love along the way. Jerry was an extraordinary husband, always wanting the best for his family, even with the challenges of his illness.After graduating from Kaukauna High School and Fox Valley Technical College, he studied with the International Accountants Society in Chicago. While attending school, he worked at Thilmany Papers and Ashauer Beer Distributors. When his studies were finished, he launched his career with companies such as Appleton Wood Products, McClone Construction and Miller Masonry. After that time, he moved his family to Waupun where he worked as head accountant for Westra Construction. During the 19 years he lived in Waupun, Jerry enjoyed coaching little league and cherished the time when his son Jim was on his team and went to the state finals.

After his years in Waupun, he moved his career and his family back to the Fox Valley where he was controller at Outagamie Coop Services, and Technical Architect of C-Tech Systems. He had a passion for accounting and computers. He was the technical architect creating a custom software package for a construction company in Waupun and together, with his late friend Tom, created and programmed a convenience store operational software package.

Later his passion turned to rock and floral gardening. He loved spending time with his granddaughter Lauren and passed on those gardening skills to her. Upon retirement Jerry fell in love again, this time with his great granddaughter Ariana. The two were inseparable and always into mischief, per Grandma Sharon.

Although legally deaf for most of his life, Jerry never considered his hearing loss as a handicap, and it never stopped him from reaching and obtaining his goals. Jerry treasured many bus trips as well as trips to Door County with Joy and Sharon. He was an avid Viking fan. He loved his Faith Lutheran Appleton church community. His faith was a priority, and he applied that steadfastness as his guide throughout life.

Jerry is survived by his wife Sharon, his children James (Tamara) Vanden Heuvel and Joy (Matt) Lockery; granddaughter Lauren (Logan Langner) Vanden Heuvel, and great granddaughter Ariana Cruz. In addition, he is survived by his brother Jack (Shirley) Vanden Heuvel, sister Susan (Bob) Kneepkens, brother-in-law Kerry (Carol) Seiltz; step grandchildren: Jason Lockery, Nikki (Brandon) Jackson, Brittany (Matthew) Muelemans as well as 8 step great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law Walter Seiltz, Jr.

The family would be remiss if they did not send many thanks to Miracle Ear for keeping him “hearing” for so many years. Thanks to the ThedaCare Cancer Center for adding joy to his long and difficult journey. And to Moments Hospice for making it possible to bring peace and compassion to the end of Jerry’s life. Of course, special thanks to Steven Ministry and all the ministers and staff at Faith Lutheran for spiritual guidance for Jerry and his family.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday July 15, 2026, at 11:00am, at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E Glendale Ave, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:30am until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Faith Lutheran Church Mission: Guatemala.