Lawrence "Smokey" F. Van Gruensven

Lawrence “Smokey” F. Van Gruensven, age 81 of De Pere, passed away peacefully at Allouez Senior Living on March 27, 2025. He was born to Ben and Martha Van Gruensven in De Pere, Wisconsin on December 31, 1943. Smokey married Janet Zelten on May 22, 1965.

Smokey worked as a shop foreman and head mechanic at Daanen & Janssen for 46 years. His passion was building and working on stock cars, traveling with his wife and sons to many races through the US and Canada. He was grateful and happiest to have the opportunity to build many stock cars for famous racers with the Randy Piontek family (Bay Motor Sports). His final lap of his race car days included building stock cars for Brett (the Jet) Piontek at WIR.

Smokey is survived by his wife, Janet; son, Dennis (Sheryl); son, Kevin (Carol); grandson, Peyton; granddaughters, Brooklyn, Meghan, Brittany (Jordan), Fallon, and Ashley; sister, Marlene; and sister, Sharon (Hank).

Smokey was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Martha; his brother, Joe; and sister, Patty.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Smokey will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of De Pere, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview, on Wednesday, April 2 at 4:00pm. Father Mike Ingold will be officiating. A visitation will take place at the church from 2:30pm until 3:45pm.

Smokey's family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation for the care and compassion by the staff at Allouez Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, please take a loved one out to dinner or spend time making a new memory with them in honor of Smokey.