Mr. Al R Vandenberg

Aloysius “Al” R. Vandenberg, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2024 surrounded by family. Al was born in Little Chute on September 11, 1935 to John and Anna (West) Vandenberg. Due to family hardship, the youngest sibling spent his grade school years with his brothers, David and Jack at St Joseph Orphanage in Green Bay, WI and at the Guardian Angel Boarding school in Oneida, WI. In his high school years, he lived with his sister, Rose Grunwald and her family. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1954 and put himself through college at LaCrosse State, where he excelled in football and track. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education and Social Studies in 1959. He married Kathryn (Mueller) in 1960 and they moved to Cashton, WI where Al began his teaching career. In 1965 they moved to Ashwaubenon, WI where he taught until he retired in 1991. Al is most remembered as being a career-long track and field coach. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Track and Field Hall of Fame and just last May had the honor of the track at AHS named after him. Al was the ultimate physical education teacher. He practiced what he preached and “ran circles” around most of his students. He ran in numerous Bellin 10K runs, 22 Birkebeiner cross country ski races, and his favorite memory, biking the Door County Century with his brother Dave on a tandem. He also enjoyed golf, especially at Brown County Golf Course, always walking and sometimes jogging from hole to hole. Play and hard work were values Al lived by, which he passed on to his 4 daughters. After the chores were done, quality time was spent camping, swimming in the backyard pool and jumping on the trampoline at school. Al was a kind and gentle soul with a smile that could capture the hearts of all who knew him. He was full of shenanigans and loads of fun. His daughters and grandchildren will always remember his loving devotion to his wife, Kathy, singing songs around the campfire, ghost stories, relaxed family dinners, swimming in the backyard pool, playing “tiger” and “monster,” and his attendance and support at their activities. Al was preceded in death by his wife Kathy and 11 siblings. He is survived by daughters: Amy (Dave) Steavpack, Beth (Mike) Simoens, Jennie (Dean) McNeill, Anne (Mark) Slusarek; 10 grandchildren: Lauren (Evan Simpson) and Abby (Zach Smith) Steavpack, Drew (Nicole Baughan), Ryan (Jordi Novo) and Meghan (Jonathan Okie) Simoens, Brooke (Josh Schloesser), Ian (Sydney) and Derek (Danielle) McNeill, Ben and AJ Williams; 7 great grandchildren: Carter Simoens, Uli, Ida and Otto Schloesser, Renick, Retta and Reeve McNeill; sister-in-law, Peg Harthun, and many nieces and nephews. Thank you to the staff at Tender Hearts Assisted Living (especially Kyla, Magdalena, Sue) and Unity Hospice for treating Al with great compassion and care. Also, a warm note of appreciation to a special family care giver Ada. Family and friends please join in Al’s wish by celebrating his life at Badger State Brewery Barrel Haus, 990 Tony Canadeo Run in Green Bay, on Thursday, February 8 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A time for sharing memories will begin at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Mr. Al R Vandenberg

September 11, 1935 - February 2, 2024