Obituaries & Guestbook

Harold C. VandenAvond, 91, of Green Bay, died Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at his home following a brief illness. He was born March 22, 1932, in Green Bay to Peter and Eleanor (Bins) VandenAvond.

Harold grew up on the family farm and attended a one room schoolhouse. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1949. In 1952, he served in the U.S. Army and served in the Corps of Engineers in the Korean War. Following his discharge from the military, he returned home and married Rita Delaruelle at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church on May 5, 1956. Since 1954, Harold drove truck for Schneider International, retiring in 1993. Harold also served as a Green Bay Alderman, as director of Schneider Credit Union, as a member of the St. Bernard School Board, as an usher at St. Bernard Catholic Church, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Harold enjoyed spending time with family at their cottage, going camping, pool parties with neighbors, and going dancing with Rita.

Harold is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rita; his children, Kathy (Steve) Zegers, Peter (Brenda) VandenAvond, Mike (Sarah) VandenAvond, Mark (Laura) VandenAvond, John (Mary) VandenAvond, Mary (Tom) Kluth, and Jean (Mike) Destache; his grandchildren, Kristine (Pat) Mostek, Andrew Zegers (special friend, Jackie), Dana VandenAvond (fiancé Dan), Molly VandenAvond (fiancé Sean), Evan VandenAvond, Kyle Hiller, Trevor (Alexis) Hiller, Jesse (Dayna) VandenAvond, Bobby VandenAvond, Jessica (Dylan) Leonard, Lauren (Mitch) Michaels, Shaynah (Caleb) Gedemer, Brandon Destache, Brianna Destache (special friend, Tristin), and Brett Destache;  his 6 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jack (Suzy) VandenAvond; a sister, Mary (Len) Hansen; sister-in-law, Barb VandenAvond and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Anna Delaruelle; three brothers, Ralph VandenAvond, Clarence (Lavonne) VandenAvond, and Louis VandenAvond; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Robert) Boehm and Elaine (Don) Johnson; a brother-in-law, Donald (Vernie) Delaruelle.

Friends may call at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason Street, on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday. Friends may also call at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2040 Hillside Drive, on Tuesday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church with the Rev. Adam Bradley officiating. Full Military Honors to follow Mass. Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. On-line condolences may be given at www.prokowall.com.

Harold’s family extends a sincere word of thanks to Katie from Comfort Keepers, and to his daughter, Kathy, for all the care they showed to him.