Donald Napoleon Van Sistine

Our Dad, Donald Napoleon Van Sistine passed away early Sunday morning, August 7, 2022 at the age of 94. He was born on June 12, 1928 to the late Alphonse and Everesta (LePine) Van Sistine. He grew up in De Pere and attended St. Joseph School and graduated from Nicolet High School in 1946. Dad fell in love with our mother, the former Florence (Faunie) Scray and they married in 1950 at St. Mary Church. He served in the Navy from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. He worked in sales for many years and he proudly owned and operated Van Sistine Hardware. Dad was a member of the West Side Business Association, De Pere Lion’s Club and De Pere Men’s Club to name a few of his community involvements. Dad introduced his daughters to camping and he traveled with Mom and friends to the Bahamas, Mexico, Hawaii and the Canary Islands. After retiring at the age of 82, he joined the YMCA and made many new friends there. More recently, his past times included watching westerns and keeping up with the news. He loved visits with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dad’s positive attitude and strong faith were present through good times and difficult ones. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Faunie of 54 years and he lost his precious son Peter at the age of 2. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, brothers and other relatives Jean and Mark Plummer, Patricia Van Sistine, Jerry Van Sistine and Joan Van Sistine, Janet Van Sistine, Norbert Scray, George Scray, Joseph Scray, Edgar and Delia Scray, Herbert Scray and Mary Jane Scray, Catherine and Harry Macco, Robert McMonagle, Bill Geenan and one great granddaughter. Dad is survived by his loyal twin brother Dave, other relatives Rosemary McMonagle, Loretta and Jim Rock, Martha Geenan, Bev Scray and Karen Van Sistine. His loving daughters Chris (Terry) Hasselbacher, Sue (Gene) Simons, Lisa (Pete) Anderson and Patty (Keith) Christenson also survive him as well as his grandchildren Lee (Sam Nekrosius) Hasselbacher, Lauren Hasselbacher, Kevin (Beth) Hasselbacher, Matt (Betsy) Simons, Katie (Tim) Wild, Keith Simons, Justin DeMars, Alyssa (Ted) Cormier, Lisa Bero, Eric Anderson, Grace (Leif) Tatley and Sam Christenson. He is also survived by his 17 great grandchildren and many caring nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dad’s friends at church, especially Marlene Burton for their love and concern for Dad. We are grateful for Terri Ambrosius who so kindly helped Dad in his home to make life a little easier. We would like to thank the staff at Rebekah Haven Assisted Living, for the care they provided for Dad over the past several months, particularly Sherri Stock. Most importantly, the family would like to sincerely thank our sister, Chris for her devoted care and support of our dear Dad. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Unity Hospice and St Jude Hospital in memory of Dad. Family and friends may visit at St. Norbert College Parish at Old St. Joseph Church, 100 Grant Street, De Pere, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 15, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. with Fr. Michael Brennan, O.Praem officiating. The service will be streamed through the Church’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OldStJoes. Full Military Honors will follow. Inurnment will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery at a later date.