Willem “Will” VanAlphen, age 90, of Waupaca, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 with family at his side.
He was born in the Netherlands on September 20, 1931 to Adrianus and Elizabeth (Rijsterborg) Van Alphen. In 1976, he married his soulmate and love of his life, Patricia (Green) Messner. Upon his retirement, they moved from Illinois and settled in the Waupaca area. He had a variety of interests including fishing, wood working, and tending to his gardens. In his recent years, he enjoyed going to the fitness center.
He will be dearly missed by his stepchildren: Andrew (Barbara) Messner of Illinois, Cynthia Messner of Waupaca, Dirk (Claudia) Messner of Michigan and Tina (Mark) Luehne of Galesville; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; a special cousin, Joeky (Bram) Oudenaarden of the Netherlands; as well as many friends and other relatives. Will was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and wife, Patricia.
Per Will’s wishes, no services will be held.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Russ Butkiewicz and family for their care and friendship over the years. Special thanks to the staff of Park Vista, ThedaCare Waupaca, ThedaCare Hospice and the numerous doctors and staff that provided care to Will.