Donald John Van Wagenen, a lifetime resident of Monroe WI, passed away on April 22nd at age 87. His last days and moments were surrounded by family and friends as his body gave up allowing his spirit to move on to a good place. The family appreciates the compassion and support from Monroe Clinic Hospice services and all of Don's nurse friends at the clinic.
Van Wagenen is survived by his wife Jean, married 62 years; 3 sons and a daughter: Mike (Connie) Van Wagenen, Brookfield WI; John (Kathy) Van Wagenen, East Peoria IL; Tom Van Wagenen, Madison WI; and Lori Wild, Monroe WI. His legacy includes 6 grandchildren: Steven (Katie) Wild, Trevor Wild; Jennifer, Nicholas, Paige, and Bradley Van Wagenen, 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Skattum, of Argyle; and sister-in-law Karen (Phil) Crawford of Mineral Point; and 24 loving nieces and nephews in the Van Clan. Don's extended family includes many friends and relatives that all touched his life at times. Know that all of you were a part of a good man's time on earth. Preceding Don in death were both parents, three brothers (Bob, Jim, Jerry), three sisters (Carol, Ruth and Betty Ann) as well as too many friends and neighbors to mention. His lifetime was filled with love.
Also known as "Mr. Cheese", Van Wagenen was CEO of Trumpy Cheese Company which at one time employed over 150 people in Monroe and Blanchardville WI. If you ate a Nacho Cheese Dorito in the 1980's, your life was touched by Don. A humble man, he eventually became a World Class Cheese Judge, traveled the world tasting Monroe's claim to fame, and was even honored at the Cheese Days parade in 2008.
From a simple loving family, Don grew up during the Depression and World War II. He attended as much school as he could and did military service at the Panama Canal. Upon returning to Monroe and starting a family, he became a model of community and neighborly service. He was an active member of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and ran the retiree club for another decade. He was a lifetime member of St John's United Church of Christ, often giving more than was expected. In his younger years, Don not only played in golf, slowpitch, bowling and card leagues, but he usually became the person who ran them too.
Being an avid Badger, Brewer, and Packer fan filled many weekend days and nights, also providing all of the fashion in clothing he required. Don traveled all over the country for business, but when it came to family vacation time, his passion was camping. Particularly the Wisconsin State Parks for over 30 years. The whole family evolved into "elite camping" at Pioneer Park in the Wisconsin Dells.
To the end, Don showed great humility and determination. He outlasted his prognosis by over two years. During that time his life was filled with many happy moments. Do not be sad that Don is gone. Cherish his life if you knew him, and if not, trust that his legacy has provided many good men and women to carry on.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 26th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home 1455 Mansion Dr., and N. 18th Ave. in Monroe. Memorial service will be at 11:30 on Monday, April 27th at St John United Church of Christ in Monroe. A luncheon will follow the gravesite ceremony.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.
Van Wagenen is survived by his wife Jean, married 62 years; 3 sons and a daughter: Mike (Connie) Van Wagenen, Brookfield WI; John (Kathy) Van Wagenen, East Peoria IL; Tom Van Wagenen, Madison WI; and Lori Wild, Monroe WI. His legacy includes 6 grandchildren: Steven (Katie) Wild, Trevor Wild; Jennifer, Nicholas, Paige, and Bradley Van Wagenen, 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Skattum, of Argyle; and sister-in-law Karen (Phil) Crawford of Mineral Point; and 24 loving nieces and nephews in the Van Clan. Don's extended family includes many friends and relatives that all touched his life at times. Know that all of you were a part of a good man's time on earth. Preceding Don in death were both parents, three brothers (Bob, Jim, Jerry), three sisters (Carol, Ruth and Betty Ann) as well as too many friends and neighbors to mention. His lifetime was filled with love.
Also known as "Mr. Cheese", Van Wagenen was CEO of Trumpy Cheese Company which at one time employed over 150 people in Monroe and Blanchardville WI. If you ate a Nacho Cheese Dorito in the 1980's, your life was touched by Don. A humble man, he eventually became a World Class Cheese Judge, traveled the world tasting Monroe's claim to fame, and was even honored at the Cheese Days parade in 2008.
From a simple loving family, Don grew up during the Depression and World War II. He attended as much school as he could and did military service at the Panama Canal. Upon returning to Monroe and starting a family, he became a model of community and neighborly service. He was an active member of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and ran the retiree club for another decade. He was a lifetime member of St John's United Church of Christ, often giving more than was expected. In his younger years, Don not only played in golf, slowpitch, bowling and card leagues, but he usually became the person who ran them too.
Being an avid Badger, Brewer, and Packer fan filled many weekend days and nights, also providing all of the fashion in clothing he required. Don traveled all over the country for business, but when it came to family vacation time, his passion was camping. Particularly the Wisconsin State Parks for over 30 years. The whole family evolved into "elite camping" at Pioneer Park in the Wisconsin Dells.
To the end, Don showed great humility and determination. He outlasted his prognosis by over two years. During that time his life was filled with many happy moments. Do not be sad that Don is gone. Cherish his life if you knew him, and if not, trust that his legacy has provided many good men and women to carry on.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 26th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home 1455 Mansion Dr., and N. 18th Ave. in Monroe. Memorial service will be at 11:30 on Monday, April 27th at St John United Church of Christ in Monroe. A luncheon will follow the gravesite ceremony.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.