Don Vande Yacht

Donald M. Vande Yacht, age 80, of Green Bay, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024. Don was born with his twin brother in Green Bay, December 3, 1943 to Ed and Anna (Nienhaus) Vande Yacht. 

Don married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Urban on June 19, 1965 at Holy Trinity Church in Casco.

After high school, Don attended UW-Madison, graduating in 1989 with a degree in Economics. In 1965 Don joined his father and brother in Brillion at Kasson Cheese Co. He bought the factory with 5 employees and grew it to 125 employees, selling it in 1987. Moving to Madison for a year, he completed his degree in 1989. Upon returning to Appleton, he completed his insurance security tests and joined Northwestern Mutual Com.

In 1991, he and Nancy moved to Negril, Jamaica where they ran a little resort, returning to Appleton in 1995. Upon returning, Don joined Anchor Foods, now McCain, as Procurement Manager. In 2006 they moved to River Falls to be close to their grandchildren. There he worked at a couple different companies until he retired. 

Brillion has a special place in his heart, where they raised their children and made life long friends. Don was very active in St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Cursillo Movement. He was elected to school boards in both Brillion and Manitowoc Roncalli, serving as President for many years. Don was involved with Jaycees and many projects while in Brillion.

In River Falls, besides being involved with his church, he also volunteered with the Republican Party. AA became an important part of his life both in River Falls and in Green Bay.

As a young man, Don enjoyed running and completed three marathons. World travel was a part of his life with the high point being a trip to Rome in 1990 and a private Mass with Saint Pope John Paul at his private residence.

Don is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their two children, Christine and Daniel (Kim Verhoff) Vande Yacht, their grandchildren: Jessica Ferruzza, of Milwaukee, Jack and Kaitlin Vande Yacht, of Ashwaubenon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, Ron Vande Yacht.

A visitation will be held at Nativity of Our Lord Parish (2270 S. Oneida St., Green Bay, WI), Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 9 to 11 AM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 AM with Fr. Matt Simonar, celebrant. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.NewcomerGreenBay.com.