James F. “Jim” Van Sleet, age 93, of Manitowoc passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Aurora Medical Center of Manitowoc County.
Jim was born January 19, 1931 in Two Rivers, son of the late James and Otillia (Wolf) Van Sleet. He graduated from St. Luke’s grade school and Washington High School in Two Rivers in 1949, before serving 4 years in the U.S. Navy from 1951 until 1955.
Jim married the former Patricia L. Sousek and they proudly raised two sons, Michael P. and Kevin J. Van Sleet. He was employed by the Aluminum Specialty Company before entering the sales field selling advertising on radio and in the ad specialty field. In addition to owning rental real estate, including the historic Dempsey Building in downtown Manitowoc, he enjoyed working with small and successful startup businesses.
Jim was active in several efforts, including serving as Alderman on the Manitowoc City Council, Manitowoc Jaycees, was a member of both the Manitowoc and Two Rivers Kiwanis clubs at different times, served on the church councils at Holy Innocents in Manitowoc and Sacred Heart in Two Rivers. He still enjoyed singing with the St. Francis of Assisi Men’s choir, participating in church activities including the CEW 5:30 a.m. bible study. Don’t forget, playing golf whenever possible as his back allowed.
Survivors include his two sons: Michael (Brenda) Van Sleet; Kevin (Margie) Van Sleet; four grandchildren: Brooke (Kevin) Fischer, Robert, Sara and Kathleen Van Sleet; five great grandchildren: Nadine, Damien, Aubrey Van Sleet, Alex and Blake Fischer; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James & Otillia Van Sleet, his wife Patricia Van Sleet, two sisters and brothers-in-law: Helen (Eugene) Kostka, Rosemary (Alton) Borgwardt; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Edward & Emily Kraftcheck as well as extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. noon Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 N. 14th Street), Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Doug LeCaptain with burial to take place at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery, Two Rivers. Military Honors will be accorded following Mass at church. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. noon.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com. The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the Van Sleet family with arrangements.
The family would like to thank the nursing staffs of Aurora Medical Center of Manitowoc County and Aurora Hospice for their kind and gentle care shown to Jim.
