Donald R. VandenAvond, age 85, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018, surrounded by his famliy.

He was born on June 16, 1932, in Green Bay to the late Raymond & Mayme (Puyleart) VandenAvond.

Don and his brother, Robert, operated a sand & gravel business, later driving dump truck. He also worked at James River Paper Mill, retiring after 43 years of employment.
He married Mary Lou Beno on September 26, 1953, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.

Don was a very kind and gentle man who always put his family first. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He loved to travel, boating, snowmobiling, bicycle riding, mowing his lawn, and listening to Polka music.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Mary Lou; children, Terry (Chuck) Vandenlangenberg, Jean (Jim) Collins, Vicki (Terry) Rentmeester, Carol (Dave) DeGrave, Sue (Jeff) Stone, Scott (Heidi), Mark (Becky), Don (Debbie), Dan (Jaci), and Richard (Melani) VandenAvond, Jennifer (Randy) VanLanen, Janelle (Tom) Prosser, and Ellen (Dave Osborn) VandenAvond; 34 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Betty) VandenAvond; brothers-in-law, Dr. Tom Beno and Pat Beno.

He is preceded in death by his son, Jack VandenAvond; granddaughter, Gina Rentmeester.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 3425 Willow Road, Green Bay. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Patrick Beno celebrant and Rev. Dan Viertel concelebrant. Entombment will be at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Rennes Rehab for their care of Don.