"I did not meet Greg but he made my dear life-long friend Micki so happy. I know he was a diamond in the rough, a one-in-a-million. I wish Micki and everyone who loves him peace and wonderful memories. "
In loving memory of
Gregory P. Van
May 10, 1955 - March 21, 2012
Gregory P. Van, 56, Green Bay, died on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, while travelling in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. He was born on May 10, 1955 in Green Bay, the son of Gerald and Elizabeth (Einarson) Van. He was a 1973 graduate of Premontre High School. Greg was service operations manager at Page Auto, Green Bay, Enterprise Motorcars, Appleton, and most recently, Peterbilt, Neenah. Greg felt fortunate that he was able to work around the things that he enjoyed so much.
Greg loved to sail and took his sons out on the water for a week of bonding every summer. He loved his family deeply. He was everybody's hero and if you were a friend of Greg's, you were a friend for life. He will be remembered for his strength, kindness and compassion. He was a sweet, loving, gentle person and a beautiful man.
Survivors include his fiancé and sweetheart, Micki Bergeon Wallander, Green Bay, three sons: Paul, Green Bay, David, Madison, and Michael, Green Bay; two grandchildren: Amy and Trenton; stepson, Shawn; his parents: Jerry and Betty Van, Green Bay; one nephew, Adam Kocha and his girlfriend, Misty; Micki's children, Kelsi and Spencer; other relatives and friends, including Elli and Gus.
Greg was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Beth.
A gathering of family and friends will take place after 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at Celebration Church, 3475 Humboldt Rd., Green Bay, where funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
Tributes
"I didn?t know Greg, but my heart hurts deeply for his family and his friends. I?m 24 and recently lost my dad (54) 5 months ago from a heart attack. I can relate to the pain. I struggle daily with positive thoughts, but the one thing that gets me by day to day is knowing that we will see each other someday again. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his loved ones. May God comfort you during this time. "
"We extend our sympathies to all Greg's family and friends. We have all lost a wonderful friend. Greg was such a "gentle giant" and could always be counted on-- He was a man of great integrity, honesty, and joy. We will miss seeing him on the bay in the summer time where he always had a warm smile and a welcoming way about him. We commend him to God's keeping. Rest in peace dear one. "
"I professonally knew Gregory from my incounters at the Neenah shop, but everytime he went out of his way to help and brighten the situations at hand! People like Greg is a rare commodity in this society and he'll be sadly missed! See Ya Later in Heaven, John."
"Even though I know we will see him again in heaven, it's really hard to say goodbye to Gregg. He was a "Wonderful" man - a man of values, a man of character. He was someone who would give you the shirt off his back even if he didn't know you. They say that you can always tell what a man is like by the way he treats his mom. Gregg was always there for Betty and Jerry. His love and care for them was unmatchable! He was a man with a heart overflowing! His smile put one at ease instantly. He was like a brother to me and i will cherish his memory forever! Micki, he was so deeply in love with you! I am So sorry!!!!! Some day you will be reunited in God's presence and until that day, you will be surrounded with all our love and prayers! Betty and Jerry - You know how very much I love you and how sad I am for you! You are the most Amazing parents one could ever have and that is reflected in your precious son, Gregg. My love 4-ever, jan"
"Greg was a joy to work with here at Peterbilt. He will be missed by all. Such a wonderful person is already with our Lord.... remember the good times. They will help you to get by! "
"I am so sorry to hear about Greg's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Greg's family during this difficult time. He will be missed. God's peace, Eric Lenski Petebilt Motors"
"To The Family of Greg I send my heart felt condolence. I only met Greg about twelve weeks ago, but that was long enough to see he was a careing person. May your memories be of good and happy times and may he rest in peace ."
"Betty & Jerry: Greg is in the arms of our precious Heavenly Father! Mom & Dad re greeting him as I write this! Bonnie"
"First, my condolences to Greg's family. I always looked forward to seeing Greg when I visited him at his work. He was always in a good mood and took the time to say hi no matter how busy he was. Greg will be dearly missed at work."
"my sympathy to Greg's family...as kids i was always up at the mobil station...then later i lived on wirtz across from greg's station on ninth street,me and geno flaig were always over there talking about cars or having him work on my car..conversations back then were usually about his hornet he raced...me and Geno were always gonna look greg up but sadly never did..jerry might remember me as my dad owned the transmission shop on Ashland....Greg was a SUPER guy and will be missed. - Eddie Faust "
"We remember the kindness Gregory always showed his parents and how he cared for them. We love you Betty and Jerry and are so sorry for your loss. We are so sorry we will not be able to attend as we are out of town. Gods grace and blessings to you both!"