"My sympathies to you and your family. From what I recall of our chats at Elmore elementary school, you and Jerry had a full and fulfilling life together. God Bless You & May the angels greet him warmly. We will all be in heaven in time and will celebrate a great reunion! ?? most sincerely, Sharon"
In loving memory of
Jerome J. VanSistine
August 16, 1926 - January 20, 2015
A true statesman, Senator Jerome VanSistine went to his eternal reward on January 20, 2015 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born on August 16, 1926 to Alphonse and Everesta (LePine) VanSistine in Milwaukee. Jerry married Joan Kaufman, who preceded him in death in 1985. He later married Karen Bauknecht, who cared for him daily through his Alzheimer's journey. Jerry graduated from West De Pere High School and enlisted in the United States Navy. After serving his country for three years during World War II, he returned to school at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Jerry taught school for two years. He then moved back to the Green Bay area and went into the construction business and was a foreman for 25 years with Selmer Construction. It was at that time he became involved in a local zoning issue and decided to run for Ashwaubenon Town Supervisor. That was the beginning of a long career in politics that took him from Town Supervisor to County Supervisor, to State Senator and full circle back to his village as a trustee. It was his ability to compromise that enabled him to work with people on both sides of the issues to get the job done and garnered him many awards. However, his compassion for the underdog kept him involved after his political career as a volunteer serving as President of the Board of Syble Hopp School and an official for the Miracle League Baseball Teams. The Packers, Brewers, bingo and his dog, Drake, filled his life with joy between volunteer activities.
Jerry leaves behind his wife, Karen and three children, Kim (Mike) Vandenlangenberg, Dan (Cathy) VanSistine and Toni VanSistine; his grandchildren, Kacie (Kyle) Wilke, Chad (fiancée, Brittany), Robert and Mandie Zeise; several great-grandchildren, Sophia, Max and Lilah Wilke, Amani Williams and Kamara Zeise. He is further survived by his sister, Jean (Mark) Plummer and two brothers, Dave (Janet) and Don; sister and brother-in-laws, Sue (Bob) Dietrich, Sharon Bauknecht, Ed (Pam) Bauknecht, Frank (Chris) Bauknecht, Ellen (Mike) Gelhar, Joe (Sally) Bauknecht, Connie (Bauknecht) Martell, Mike Bauknecht and Steve (Linda) Bauknecht, sisters-in-law, Carol Van Lanen and Nancy (George) Sager and their children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia; mother and father-in-law, Betty and Floyd Bauknecht and many other relatives and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Tender Hearts, Heartland Hospice, Gail LaPlant and her support group, Terry and the staff at the Cloud Family Center, Dr. Jason Wurth and home caregivers, Barb, Mary Margaret, Dan, Stacy and Renee.
Visitation will be held at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2770 South Oneida Street, Saturday, January 24, 2014 from 9:00 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with the Rev. Bob Rhyner officiating. Military Honors will follow. Interment will be at Fort Howard Memorial Park. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lyndahl.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jerry's name.
Tributes
"Dear Karen & Family: My sincere condolences for you and your family. It was always a pleasure meeting Jerry out and about at the grocery store or in church, at Nativity. He was a good person and State Legislator. My love and prayers for you in your time of sorrow."
"Dan ,Toni and Family just heard about your dad Sorry for your loss you are in our prayers Gail and Randy Edges"
"Kim, Mike, and family, Sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May happy memories of Jerry live on in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Laurie and Ken Jacques"
"I served with Jerry in the State Senate, my fondest memories of Jerry are his infectious cheerfulness. Always a smile, always upbeat and always a kind word. We have lost a friend. My best to the family. Dave Berger "
"Karen, my heartfelt sympathy to you and the family. Jerry was such a nice man and friendly to all. I know in his heart of hearts he knew you were there everyday, and I hope you take solice in this. May he finally be at peace. Gods blessings to you and the family."
"Jerry Van Sistine was always a class act. After arriving in Green Bay in 1990 and meeting him for the first time on assignment, I was immediate struck by his passion for the people he served. He was a politician but he made it clear that getting things done for the people of his district and Northeast Wisconsin was job one. Jerry was always willing to talk with anyone. Prayers and condolences to his family. "
"I served with Jerry in the Wisconsin Senate in the 70's & early 80's. My sincere condolences to your family. Please remember that his smile will always be with us."
"Toni, Kim and Danny: Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your dad. Your love and dedication to him are something to be greatly admired. Will always look back fondly on memories of time spent growing up with Joan and Big Jer. "
"Kim, Toni and family, Our deepest sympathy to you all at the loss of your Father. We know you loved him so much and were so deeply dedicated to helping him live his life to the fullest-- all the way to the end. What a wonderful tribute to the way you were all raised to be so loving and honorable to him during these past years. We truly enjoyed getting to know you all during the time my mom lived at Tender Hearts. Vicky sends her condolences too and are so sorry for your loss. "
"I served with Jerry in the State Senate in the 70's & 80's, and have many great memories of those " good old days". My condolences to the family but know that his smile is with many of us still."
"You have my deepest Sympathy, Karen. I enjoyed talking with Jerry about flowers at the Y. My heart goes out to you and his family."
"We send our sincere sympathy to all of you. Jerry was a kind and caring person who wanted to help others. He accomplished that in many ways, some of these were his involvement as our State Senator,as well as representing our County and Community at different times during his lifetime. Jerry was a true friend and he will long be remembered. He leaves behind his imprints."
"My sympathy to you, Karen, and your family. When your Mom's funeral was, my hubby was in the hospital and I couldn't get there. I was always sorry for that too. Again he is hospitalized, but my prayers are with you. Peace."
"My love and support, Karen, on the passing of Jerry. You two always contributed so much to our community. Be comforted in knowing that some of us deeply appreciate your efforts to make this state a better place. He will be missed. "
"I served with Jerry in the State Senate. Although we were of different parties, we worked together for the betterment of our great state. Jerry was fine person and he will be missed by many. Our prayers go out to his family."
"Karen, In this tough time in your life our heartfelt condolences are with you to bring you comfort. What a pleasure it will be to live without death being a part of our reality. Soon peaceful conditions will prevail everywhere on earth without death and pain. We continue to pray for that "kingdom to come on earth..."(Matthew 6). Our prayers are with you. Dexter and Margaret Daul"
"Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of your father and the friendship he had with my father. My prayers are with you and your family. Patti Sigl Edwards"
"Karen, I know Jerry is with the angels now and having a great time with his Mom and Dad and all his friends who have gone to heaven. Sharon and I are so glad that we visited with you and Jerry this Summer. I remember all the good times Jerry and I had when he was Supervisor in Aswaubenon with me in the 70's. He was one of the most honest and caring individuals I have ever met. I know that he has many friends that will be joining with you on Saturday. God Bless you for all you have done for Jerry. Sharon and Ted Pamperin"
"Kare so sorry for your loss. We have so many fond memories of Jerry during our political days, he was a great person. With sympathy Jan & Gary DeByl"
"To Karen and children, please know that Jerry was a very close and beloved friend of our father, Roland E Sigl. Although Dad has been gone now since January of 2000, I still recall vividly that Dad would speak highly of Jerry and their friendship. Know that our departed mom, Gladys Sigl also thought the world of Jerry and Karen. Jerry made a positive difference in our world. I know there is rejoicing in Heaven this week, as our Dad greets his friend Jerry at the gates. With prayers and condolences for your loss - Terri (Sigl) and John Nakai"
"A kind, decent, and caring public servant. He treated all with respect. His laugh was infectious and his passion for the "little guy" was always paramount. Truly a good guy."
"To Karen and Family, I greatly appreciated Jerry for all he did for our community and the state of Wisconsin. He represented the our values and worked on behalf of us all. We need more like him! My thoughts are with all who loved him. Judy Crain"
"TONI YOUR DAD WAS A GREAT MAN. HE GAVE A LOT TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. HE WILL BE REWARDED NOW. YOU HAVE MY SYMPATHIES. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. LARRY SMITH PULASKI"
"To Jerry's family: I enjoyed all of my experiences serving with Jerry in the Wisconsin State Senate. We were in different parties, but fast and good friends. For much of my service, he was my committee chair, and he always treated me fairly and with respect. Thank you all for his years of service to his community, and my sympathy to you as his long and fruitful life has come to an end. I know it was a long struggle at the end, and Karen you are to be commended for your loving care. We will all miss this good, decent leader and friend!"
"Kim: My sister Becky just sent me your dad's obituary - I have very fond memories of your father, please accept my deepest condolences. Jeff Jewell, California"
"I am so sorry Danny Kim and Toni. Your dad was so much fun. He was so great to my mom and dad that I would never forget him. God bless. Love Pam and Tim Hermsen"
"Sen. VanSistine was easy to speak with concerning different situations; I found that extremely refreshing for a politician and certainly put me at ease to feel free voicing my concerns. Wisconsin has lost not only a great statesman but a wonderful man. May his entire family know how much he was admired and respected."
"Senator Van Sistine was one of the first state legislators in this area to educate himself about the Oneida Nation and was a good friend and supporter. "A great soul serves everyone all the time." Maya Angelou RIP Senator"