Henry Vaness

Henry VanEss left this world on Monday March 14 ^th after 102 years of a well-lived life.

Henry was born February 12, 1920 in Champion Wisconsin, the youngest of 10 children born to John and Victoria (Servais) VanEss. At the age of 8 he moved to Two Rivers with his family and lived there the remainder of his life. On October 28, 1944 he married the former Dolores Schultz. They enjoyed 59 years together before her passing March 20, 2004.

Our Dad was a hard-working man, often working two or three jobs to support his family. His longest part-time job was as a bartender at Gonia’s Bar in Two Rivers. We recall him going off to work in his white shirt and black bow tie.

Although Dad worked very hard, he also loved to have fun. He got great joy in making people laugh with his corny jokes and funny faces. He enjoyed fishing, especially with his family during their annual week-long stay at a cottage on Wilke Lake. He was very proud of the 40-inch, 27-pound king salmon he caught off the pier in Two Rivers. We all have examples of his wood burning and wood carving skills.   He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badger football.

Above all, Dad loved his family. Anyone important in his children’s lives were important to him. Whether born or married into the family, he treated them all the same.

He is survived by his sons, Michael VanEss of Sturgeon Bay and Keith and Pamela VanEss of Peshtigo and   daughter Debbie and Al Augustine of Mishicot. Also surviving are grandchildren Matthew Augustine, Brett Augustine, Jacob and Sami Szynskie (and their children Robert and Max), and Samantha Szynskie. Nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dolores, his son and daughter-in-law Peter and CeCe VanEss, his brothers John, Arthur, Hubert, Edward and Granville and sisters Philomene Hermans, Irene Walsmer, Tisla Rathsack and Laura Lueloff along with their spouses.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th Street, Two Rivers. Pastor Colie Bettivia will preside at the memorial service, with burial to take place at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery, Two Rivers.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, Saturday morning from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. There will be no Friday evening visitation.

Online condolences may be sent to the VanEss family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Our Dad was able to live independently until recently thanks to good neighbors Bernice Knitter and family and Mike Prucha. Thanks to the staff at Northland Lodge, especially Marcie, for the care provided during his short stay there. A special thank you to the Second-Floor Surgical staff at Aurora Bay Care for the compassionate care provided during Dad’s final two weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Two Rivers Senior Center.