Donald John Vaessen

Donald J. Vaessen, 81, Appleton passed away unexpectedly after a short illness Wednesday, January 27, 2016. He was born June 9, 1934 in West De Pere to Leo and Florence (Saharsky) Vaessen. Donald graduated from Saint Norbert's High School and went into the Coast Guard. He later retired from Warneky's Ink as a salesman. His first wife Jean Miller and he got married on October 24, 1959. They were married for 33 years before she passed away. They had 2 sons (Scott and Michael). He later married Paula (Surin) Vaessen after a 10 year relationship on January 2nd, 2003. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, being a member of the Moose Club, reading, being involved in the Coast Guard, and retiring in Florida for the winters. Donald is survived by his wife Paula Vaessen, sons Scott and Michael Vaessen, Stepdaughter Jewel Peterson, and Daughter in Law Tracy Vaessen; grandchildren Julia, Patrick, David, Andrew, and Dayton; Sister Dorthy Josephs, brother-in-law Don Josephs and Sisters-in-Law Marleen and Cathy Vaessen; along with special friends Terri Murphy, Carol Deprey, Steve and Shirly Thomas, and Paul and Carol Schierl. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Rodger and Richard Vaessen, and wife Jean (Miller) Vaessen. Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Avenue, De Pere, on Monday, February 1, from 9:00am until the time of service at 11:00am with Bishop Robert Morneau officiating and Deacon Paul Cibula assisting. Entombment in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Bellin College for the Jean Vaessen nursing scholarship. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Appleton Medical Center (AMC) nursing staff for the caring and loving support to Donald and the rest of his family, along with ThedaCare hospice. He will be dearly miss amongst family and friends.