Eugene James Van Lanen, 83, De Pere, passed away on Sunday morning, March 6, 2022. He was born on August 19, 1938, in Green Bay to the late Charles and Mabel (Bourin) Van Lanen. On August 20, 1966, he married Barbara Rose Faltynski at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on November 03, 2013. Eugene worked as a forklift driver at Fort James Paper Company for 30 years, retiring in 1998. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Eugene and Barbara played couples bowling at Red Carpet Lanes for many years. They also liked going on casino trips together and dining out. Eugene liked going to the flea market to collect antique pocket watches and antique guns. He took great pride in the upkeep to his yard. Although he said he didn’t like cats, as soon as you would turn your back, sure enough, there was one on his lap. Above all, he loved spending time with his family. It was something he greatly cherished.
He is survived by his children, Diane (Shawn) Smith, Kingsford, MI, Steve Van Lanen, Lena, WI, Kevin (Marla) Van Lanen, Howard, WI and Scott Van Lanen, De Pere, WI; grandchildren, Kayla (fiancé, Jake Jossart) Van Lanen, Ashly Rose Van Lanen, Mallory (David) Safford, Jayson Blake, Aaron (Kelsey) Blake and Joshua Van Lanen; great-grandchildren, Kayden, Bennett, Owen, Henley, William and Evelyn; siblings, Loretta Arnoldussen, Roger (Marilyn) Van Lanen, Kenneth Van Lanen and Gary (Karen) Van Lanen; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Van Lanen; brother-in-law, Hilary Aroldussen; and sister-in-law, Donna Van Lanen.
Friends may call at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., on Friday, March 11, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Funeral service 6:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Entombment will take place at the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at Tender Hearts Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion that was given.