Paul A. Van Eperen

Paul A. Van Eperen, 80, a life-long Kimberly resident, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2008 at St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was born a groundhog on February 2, 1928 at home in Kimberly, son of the late Walter and Marie (Vanden Boogard) Van Eperen and graduated from Kimberly High School in the class of 1946. As a sergeant in the United States Army, he served as a medic in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Paul was united in marriage to Barbara C. Schaefer on September 15, 1951 at Sacred Heart Church in Appleton.

Paul became a journeyman plumber in 1955 and worked on many commercial projects throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. Paul truly loved his work, and also enjoyed building, remodeling, and working on the homes of his children. He always seemed to keep himself busy, whether it was with puzzles, collecting cans for Holy Name School, or just puttering with various projects.

Paul was a longtime and faithful member of Holy Spirit Church in Kimberly and served as an usher for many years. He was also a fifty-year member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #458 and served in various capacities, including Vice President, a member of the Plumbers Apprenticeship Board and the Executive Board. He and Barbara enjoyed attending the Plumbers conventions and their children greatly enjoyed many Plumbers and Steamfitters Picnics. Paul was also appointed to the Kimberly Planning Commission by Jim Siebers and served many years in that capacity. He was a key member in the drive to establish the Kimberly Business Park as well as the establishment of Eisenhower Drive, the corridor connecting CE to KK. Paul was a member of the William Verhagen Post #60 of the American Legion and during the late 1950s and early 1960s was a member of their drill team. He was also a member of the Kimberly Kiwanis Club.

Paul will be greatly missed by those who survive him: his wife: Barbara Van Eperen of Kimberly; three sons and three daughters: Bob (Barb) Van Eperen of Appleton; Sue (Tom) Behling of Hilbert; Margi (Jeff) Fuller of Kimberly; Karl (Rose) Van Eperen of Kimberly; Mark Van Eperen of Kimberly; and Mary (Jeff) Gorges of Kimberly; sixteen grandchildren: Rachel Van Eperen, Nathan Van Eperen, Luke (Tina) Behling, Katie (Jake) Nolan, Lance Behling, Kristen Fuller, Courtney Fuller, Kyle Fuller, Curt Van Eperen, Margaret Van Eperen, Amy Van Eperen, Joseph Van Eperen, Grant Gorges, Paige Gorges, Claire Gorges and Blake Gorges; three great-grandchildren: Adalynn and Lydia Behling and Miles Nolan; five step-grandchildren: Helen White, Jake Spence, Emily Spence, Whitney Murray, and Megan Murray; a sister: Luella (Gene) Schultz of Kimberly; four sisters-in-law: Nita Van Eperen, Theresa Van Eperen, Dori Van Eperen, and Mary Brehm; and a former sister-in-law: Becky Van Eperen. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by a granddaughter Emily Van Eperen, who met him at heavens gate; six brothers and four sisters: John Van Eperen, Johanna (Wally) Diedrick, Micki Saucer, Bernie Van Eperen, Leona (Bob) Green, Ray Van Eperen, Hank Van Eperen, Frances (Bob) Richter, Walter (Bev) Van Eperen, Jr., and Joe Van Eperen; ten brothers and sisters-in-law: Charles (Sade) Schaefer, George (Vi) Schaefer, John (Neda) Schaefer, Annie (Art) Knoll, Kathryn (Norb) Wydeven, Elizabeth (Carl) Kessler, Clara (Henry) VandenBoom, Bill Schaefer, Margaret (Rich) Mantei, and Joe Brehm; and by a former sister-in-law Agnes Van Eperen.

The funeral liturgy for Paul will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue in Kimberly, with Fr. David Beaudry officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again at the church on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. There will be a parish prayer service at the funeral home on Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM.

Dad, your intelligent and informed conversations will be greatly missed. Your genuine interest in the world around you was an inspiration to your children and grandchildren. Your knowledge of the history of the Fox Cities provided us with a go-to person for any questions. You and Mom provided a safety net of love and encouragement that will be greatly missed.

Jansen Fargo Funeral Home
204 E. Kimberly Avenue
Kimberly, WI 54136
920-788-6202