Carl Robert Vanevenhoven

Carl Robert Vanevenhoven, age 79, of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, passed away surrounded his family, on Friday, April 15, 2022, at his son’s home in Fishers, Indiana.  Carl was born on February 23, 1943, to his parents, Edwin & Mary (Verbeten) Vanevenhoven in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Carl married Grace Spice in 1993, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  They shared 22 years together before she passed away on March 21, 2015.     

Carl was a graduate of Kaukauna High School, class of 1962.  After high school, he joined the United States Air Force proudly serving his country from 1962-1967.  Once he separated from the military, he became a fireman for the Kaukauna Fire Department. Carl was instrumental in bringing an ambulance into service for his community.  He along with five other firemen went to school to be certified paramedics and were the first six paramedics in their hometown.  What a legacy to leave behind.      

Carl was an incredibly devoted and loyal father.  He raised his son, Keith, on his own during the 1970’s and 1980’s.  To say that was unheard of at that time is an understatement.  He wanted no recognition for his fatherly duties, even when it was offered.  He knew the kind of love that should poured into a child, and he gladly did just that!  He selflessly stayed single until Keith became an adult, putting his own wants aside to be able to devote everything he had to Keith.  Men like Carl are few and far between, even by today’s standards. 

In his later years, Carl enjoyed living in a small cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.  He relished the peace and quiet that being in the woods brought.  He simply enjoyed being outside amongst the trees. 

He often had a gruff exterior but was very loving to those he cared about most.  He will be greatly missed, and the world will shine a little less bright without him.

Those left to carry on Carl’s legacy of love are his son, Keith Vanevenhoven; granddaughter, Taylor Vanevenhoven; brothers, David Vanevenhoven and Mark Vanevenhoven; sisters, Janet Linet, Rita Gelling, Helen Went, Rose Vanevenhoven; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Carl was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Edwin & Mary Vanevenhoven; wife, Grace Vanevenhoven; and siblings, Patricia Vanevenhoven, Mary Ann Vanevenhoven, and Allen Vanevenhoven.

Taylor & Cowan funeral home is honored to care for the Vanevenhoven family. To leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Carl with his family, please visit his tribute wall.

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