DeBruin, Martin "Ben"

Other Events:

• Obituary: 19 Apr 2002; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
DeBruin, Martin, "Ben"
525 W. 9th Street
Kaukauna, WisconsinAge 86, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at Cherry Meadows Hospi ce in Appleton. Ben was born in the town of Buchanan on the DeBruin Homest ead November 19, 1915, son of the late Henry and Henrietta DeBruin. On Ju ly 26, 1938, he married the former Bernetta Schydzik at St. Mary's Cathol ic Church in Kaukauna where they have been faithful lifelong members. B en and Bernetta observed their 50th wedding anniversary in 1988 by renewi ng their vows at St. Mary's, and last July they joyfully celebrated with f amily their 63rd year of marriage. For nearly 42 years, Ben worked as a cr ane operator in the woodyard at Thilmany Pulp and Paper where he was a lon gtime member of Union Local #147. Many will remember him as an avid garden er, who enjoyed sharing his annual harvest with family and friends. Ben 's gardening skills were highlighted with his famous Horseradish Recipe, w hich has been passed on to the next younger generation. Ben also enjoyed b us trips, playing cards, hunting, fishing, designing fishing lures, and bu ilding ice-fishing tip-ups. He was especially proud of his one-handed fish -line-tying device, which allows fishermen to attach lures and hooks usi ng only one hand. He harvested hickory nuts and wiled away many winter nig hts shucking, cracking, and picking them. Those nuts that did not e nd up in Bernetta's baking creations were given away to friends and relati ves. Ben was a great collector and found a place in his garage to store an ything of value-and it's still there. He enjoyed time spent kibitzing t he family homestead farm with brother Joe and nephew Don DeBruin. For t he last 10 years, the highlight of Ben's and Bernetta's enjoyment was ti me spent with friends at the Appleton Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitati on program. In his later years, Ben thoroughly enjoyed the company of h is six great grandchildren. At the age of 82, Ben, along with his wife Ber netta, took their first airplane ride to observe granddaughter Denise's ma rriage in Orlando, Florida.Ben is survived by his wife of 63 years: Bernetta DeBruin of Kaukauna; t wo sons Bob (Rita) DeBruin of Kaukauna, and Dennis (Debbie) DeBruin of Men asha; three grandchildren of whom he thought the world: Beth (Mark) Spec ht of Kaukauna; Tim (Sarah) DeBruin of Appleton; and Denise (Jay) Hatch er of Orlando, Florida; six great grandchildren: Nicole and Ben Specht, a nd William, Tristan, Olivia, and Emelyne DeBruin; a sister: Germaine (Loui s) Wyngaard of Kaukauna; a brother-in-law: Ed Schug of Sheboygan; a speci al nephew: Don DeBruin of Kaukauna, who offered so much assistance to t he family in recent times; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other rela tives, and friends. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Mar tha Schug, Anna (Frank) Fischer, Bernetta (William) Jude, Marie (Leo) Gill en, Nellie (Cliff) Hughes, and Imelda (Don) Huhn, and brothers Peter (V i) DeBruin, Edward DeBruin, and Joe (Marge) DeBruin; a great granddaughte r, Hannah Olivia DeBruin who we are sure is in his arms at the family Shee pshead card game; a sister-in-law, Grace (Harold) Barker, and a brother-in -law Ervin (Pearl) Schydzik.Special thanks to the Hospice nurses and volunteers, especially Kelly, Ji m, and Tom. The family also thanks Cherry Meadows Hospice, especially Chr is and Sandy for their kindness and compassionate care during Ben's fin al days. Bernetta especially appreciates the special care and concern of n eighbors Jim and Loretta Weyers and Helen Brooks.The funeral liturgy will be held at 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2002, at S t. Mary Catholic Church, 119 W. Seventh Street, Kaukauna, with Fr. Robe rt A. Udulutsch, O.F.M.Cap. officiating. Friends may call at the chur ch on Monday from 3:00 until the time of the mass. Burial will be in the p arish cemetery on Tuesday, April 23, 2002.Fargo Funeral Home 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue Kaukauna 766-6200 www.fargofune ralhomes.com

Martin married Schydzik, Bernetta 26 Jul 1938. Bernetta (daughter of Schydzik, Anton and Otto, Rose) was born 28 Jul 1918, Kaukauna, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA; died 2 Oct 2010; was buried , St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Kaukauna, Wisconsin, USA. [Group Sheet]

Dennis married Leatherbury, Debbie [Group Sheet]