Dean R. Van Daalwyk
August 9, 1946 -
August 23, 2024
US Veteran
Dean Richard Van Daalwyk passed away after a brief illness, surrounded by family, on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Appleton, WI. Dean was born on August 9, 1946 to Christiaan and Audrey (Graves) Van Daalwyk in Kenosha, WI.
Dean, the youngest of four siblings, graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1964. He was independent from a young age, working hard at various jobs while still in school.
Dean, at 17 met Diana Spitzer, became high school sweethearts and married on March 4, 1967. They spent the next 57 years building a family and having a wonderful life together.
Dean served on the USS Hornet during the Vietnam War. After his service, he returned home, where he worked at American Motors and Snap-On Tools. He graduated from Gateway Technical College and UW-Parkside.
He built the family home where they raised their three children and lived for 45 years. Dean and his partner Jim Matzur opened Villa Marina and the Boat House Pub and Eatery in downtown Kenosha.
Dean and Diana shared time in Charlotte, NC and eventually Appleton, WI, after retirement to be near their grandchildren and watch them grow. They enjoyed traveling to many destinations together around the world.
Dean is survived by his devoted wife, Diana; children, Cara (Ron) Ancevic, Christiaan (Erin) Van Daalwyk, and Cass (Nathan) Schultz; grandchildren, Alec and Julia Ancevic, Eleanor and Evelyn Van Daalwyk, Isaac, Elise, and Audrey Schultz; and sisters, Kaarin (Jerry) Risvold, Gigi (Donald) Hauke; sisters-in-law, Gloria Van Daalwyk and Loretta Kallas. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jay Van Daalwyk.
Service Info
A visitation honoring the life of Dean will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home.
An additional visitation will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church – East (formally Friedens Lutheran Church), 5038 19th Ave., Kenosha, WI from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.
Interment with full military honors will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church – East https://www.newlifekenosha.org/give.
Posted by:
Bonnie (Jensen) EricksonDean lived on 27th Avenue and my brother Jim Jensen and I grew up on 26th Avenue along with a whole bunch of guys (Larry Mueller, Ron Selin, Bob Simon and Jim Matzur). I think GiGi and I were the only girls in the neighborhood. Together, both our mothers served on the PTA Board at Columbus Elementary. My older brother Jay Jensen went to school with Dean’s brother Jay. One thing I remember, is the VanDaalwyk’s had one of maybe two boat houses in the Kenosha Harbor. It was so unique and special. Dean and my brother shared a love of boats. In the late 70’s the Thistle Nationals were held in Racine and I ran into Dean and Diana on the shuttle bus. Both my brother Jim and I would randomly bump into Dean and Diane and always enjoyed seeing them. Dean was just a great guy, always friendly and so easy to talk to. His passing brings back many good memories of growing up. Sending deepest condolences to Diana and all of the VanDaalwyk family.
Posted by:
Paulette Y SchilkeWe will miss Dean at the visits to Illumine Lutheran Church. Our prayers to the family. Paulette and Rob Schilke Illumine Lutheran Church Rock Hill, SC
Posted by:
James BenesI also had the pleasure of working with Dean at Snap On Tools. Dean was my manager, and was one of my best managers throughout my IT career. I remain good friends with Dean (and Diana) still today. RIP Dean, you will be missed.
Posted by:
Jon LyonsAs Chaplain for the American Legion Post 21 and the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 21 in Kenosha Wisconsin, I’d like to say thank you for your service and God bless you, your family, and your friends. You’re all in my prayers. Just remember he was a gift from God and knowing him was even a bigger gift.
Posted by:
Dennis LeitnerRIP Dean. I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Dean at Snap-on. Fond memories of work and fun. Dean was a great colleague and a gifted technologist that helped transform the business. God Bless his family
