Obituary

On September 28, 2014 at the age of 31, the soul of Michael Richard Van Deurzen, Jr. was taken to our Lord in the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ to share eternity with our triune God. This did not happen because he was good, or because he had suffered enough; but because of the grace of our God. Heaven has received a bright, precious soul. His spirit has been set free, no longer to feel the pain or challenges of Cystic Fibrosis.

We will miss Mike’s creative and loving spirit. We will miss the entertainment he provided with his juggling, balloons, dancing, singing, motorcycle riding and playing guitar. He was always quick to volunteer to help out others, whether that was stopping at the children’s ward to entertain the kids with juggling or hopping on his Harley for a charity ride with his Brothers. Mike loved to give back.

But the thing we will miss most is the example he was in living. Mike exemplified life and this will be his lasting legacy. He lived life even when there appeared to be no more life left to live; purposefully, intentionally and with great passion. Mike was inspiring to many with his “One More Round” attitude. His constant upbeat mentality made us better for having known him. We have been privileged to witness his walk toward home.

Many were drawn to Mike’s easy going nature. He accepted everyone as they were. He had many friends from all walks of life and treated them all with the same dignity, respect and love that he cherished from others. Loved dearly by his family and friends, he will be greatly missed.
Mike was a 2002 graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy and a member at Faith Lutheran Church of Fond du Lac.

Family who await a blessed reunion with him in heaven are his mother, Gina (Paul) Thiesfeldt of Fond du Lac; father, Mike (special friend, Kay) Van Deurzen, Sr. of Little Chute; sisters, Katie Rae Van Deurzen and Amber Rettler; brothers, Richard and David Thiesfeldt; Grandparents, Jeanette Van Deurzen of Little Chute, David and Shirley Milner of Omro; and a nephew, Gage.  Aunts and Uncles are: Cathy (Jean) Van Deurzen, Sue (Jim) Spierings, Bob (Johnna) Van Deurzen, Don (Vicki) Van Deurzen, Steve (Chris) Van Deurzen, Scott (Tanya) Van Deurzen, David (Renee) Milner, Lynnette (Phil) Priebe, Terri (Mark) Gauthier, Darick (Anne) Milner, Douglas (Jo Rae) Milner, Dennis Milner, Dan Milner, Duane Milner. Mike is also survived by many cousins and his Brothers from the Top Hats Motorcycle Club in Oakfield WI and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert "Rags" Van Deurzen; Uncle, Darrell Milner and cousin, Devon Milner.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 855 Martin Ave., Fond du Lac. Visitation will continue on Friday at Faith Lutheran Church, 55 Prairie Road, Fond du Lac, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, with Rev. Brett Naumann officiating. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery, Little Chute, immediately following the service. Condolences can be expressed at www.verkuilenfh.com. A memorial has been established in Mike’s name.

We would like to thank the staff at UW Madison’s D6/5 unit. We especially thank NP Brooke Lachance for her personal attention and professional care. She willingly took extra time to explain things to Mike in a way that helped him understand. Thanks also to Erin Patten, who was not only his primary caregiver and advocate while hospitalized but also his friend and confidant. May every chronically ill patient be blessed with such dedicated support! Mike was blessed and comforted by their compassion. We would also like to thank Mary W. from Heartland Hospice for her comfort and care during Mike’s final hours.