Ronald F. Vandenhouten, age 91, of Manitowoc, passed peacefully with his loving family at his side on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Ronald was born July 28, 1933, in Thiry Daems, WI, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Vandenhouten. He graduated from Casco High School, served in the U.S. Coast Guard 1951-1954. He retired after 39 years working as a train engineer for the Chicago and Northwestern Railway/Union Pacific. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Vans Athletic Club of Manitowoc, and volunteered in the chapel at Holy Family Hospital for more than 20 years.
Ronald and Catherine (Dvorachek) were married July 4, 1959, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Reedsville, WI. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Catherine, one daughter, Ellen (Andy) Rosik, three sons, Joe (Julie), Jim (Deb) and Ron (Melissa) Vandenhouten; twelve grandchildren: Andrea (Joe) Hanson, Andy (Alyssa) Rosik, Jessie (Mike) Rieck, Joe (Caryn) Vandenhouten, John Vandenhouten (special friend Lexi), Zack Vandenhouten (fiancé Janelle), Adam Vandenhouten (special friend Anna), Katie Vandenhouten (fiancé Nolan), James Vandenhouten, Cecily (Michael) Ruen, Carly (Andy) Schrom, and Claire Vandenhouten; one great-grandchild, Jackson, with another great-grandchild on the way; Sisters-In-Law LaVerne Vandenhouten and Ann O’Hearn, Brother-in-Law Joe (Ann) Dvorachek.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gerald, three sisters Bernice Thayse, Carol (Marvin) Frisque and Patsy (Darold) Cayemberg; in-laws Bernard (Rose Jean) Dvorachek, George O’Hearn, and other relatives and friends.
Ronald loved his family very much, and loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s many sporting events, concerts, and recitals. If there was a concession stand at the venue, he was sure to visit it and come back with a hot dog. He was a proud and faithful Green Bay Packer season ticket holder since 1957 and attended the Ice Bowl at Lambeau Field in 1967 with his brother-in-law Joe. Ronald loved golf and bowling and regularly met his friends for breakfast.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Grand, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. Father Doug LeCaptain will officiate. The family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 9:00 am. Online condolences may be submitted by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider taking your family and friends to a local sporting event, concert, or recital, and with a smile in your heart, visit the concession stand for a hot dog.
The family extends a special thank you to the staffs of Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital, River’s Bend Health Services, Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, and Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.
