Donald Van Pay, age 91, of Shawano, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Born in Green Bay on December 15, 1926, Donald is a son of the late Elmer and Hazel (Williquette) Van Pay. Don graduated from Green Bay West High School and went on to work as an engineer for Chicago and Northwestern Railroad for 42 years. He also taught Diesel engine classes for 14 of those years. On August 31, 1978 Donald was united in marriage to Ruth H. Mayer in Menominee, Michigan. Upon retirement Don and Ruth moved to the Shawano Lake area where Don quickly became known and appreciated for being a skilled handyman. Don was a devoted Christian and an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church at White Clay Lake. He was also a member of the Cecil Lion's Club and was involved in many charitable activities. In his free time, Don loved to fish, whether by boat or just parking the old camper next to the Menominee River with Ruth appreciating the view of God's country rolling by. Don had a "green thumb" and always kept an impressive garden that produced plenty of vegetables to keep friends and family supplied. He also had a passion for baking and cooking and always seemed to "accidentally" drop something on the floor for one of his dogs, Taffy, Kujo, or Boomer. Don was a kind, caring, and generous man with a contagious smile. He was always aware and in tune with the needs and concerns of others and he was always there with a helping hand and his great smile. Friends and family were always welcomed into his home with open arms. He loved visitors and his hospitality and cooking skills made his guests feel at home. Whenever it was time to go, without fail, Don would say "Come back when you can stay longer."
Donald is survived by: his children, Victoria (Lonnie) Annan of Berthoud, Colorado, Rev. Randy (Kathryn) Van Pay of San Antonio, Texas, Russell (Stacy) Van Pay of Weatherford, Texas, and Rory (Robyn) Van Pay of Berthoud, Colorado; step-children, Ryan (Molly Talono) Dorak of Abrams, James (Wendy) Delvoye, Sr. of Green Bay, and Donna Vanderveren of Green Bay; daughter-in-law, Linda Van Pay of Pulaski; 20 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; a brother Arnold (Janice) Van Pay of Kent, Washington; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth on January 25, 2013, two sons, Ronald and Ricky, and his parents.
A funeral service honoring Donald will be held at 11:00am on Monday, February 5, 2018 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at White Clay Lake with Rev. Steve Pockat officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at Swedberg Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel on Sunday, February 4, 2018 from 12:00pm until 3:00pm and again at the church on Monday from 10:00am until the time of the funeral.
Don's family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Maple Lane Nursing Home in Shawano who cared for Don for the past eight years. Their demonstration of care and concern for Don and his family went beyond words and was greatly appreciated. The family would also like to thank the staff at ThedaCare Medical Center in Shawano.
