Ambrose “Sonny” Van Laanen, 83, Town of Scott, died peacefully at a local hospital on September 6, 2013, surrounded by family. Born on December 13, 1929, in Green Bay, he is the son of the late Earl and Maryleen (Liebergen) Van Laanen. On October 1, 1955, he married the former Harriet Kersey at St. Louis Church-Dyckesville. Sonny worked at FEECO as a machinist, until his retirement in June 1993. Sonny enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and feeding his birds. He also cherished times spent with his faithful canine companions, Buddy and Tootsie.
Sonny is survived by six children, Cheri (Dave) Luckenbill, Judy (Dave) Degeneffe, Dave Van Laanen, all of Green Bay, Craig Van Laanen, Huntersville, North Carolina, Dawn Van Laanen, Scott (Jane) Van Laanen, both of Green Bay; seven grandchildren, Charlie (Sara) Van Laanen, Susie (Kevin) Dihel, Tony Van Laanen, Jarred Van Laanen (Abby), Autumn Van Laanen (Jason), Josh (Carly) Van Laanen, Katie Van Laanen; seven great grandchildren, Maverick, Lily, Wyatt, Keira, Bailey, Mason, and Bristol; four step-grandchildren; ten step-great grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Jackie Van Laanen.
He was preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Terri Van Laanen; one brother, Cyril Van Laanen; and his parents and in-laws.
Visitation at MALCORE (East) Funeral Home, University Ave. at Baird St., Monday from 3 – 8 p.m. Rosary and wake service 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue Tuesday at Holy Cross-Bay Settlement, 3009 Bay Settlement Road, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral. Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church with the Rev. Mike Weber O. Praem officiating. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the entire staff at Aurora BayCare Hospital and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic.