William Van Faasen ’94

Bill Van Faasen, 54, of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25. He was born in Holland, Michigan, and graduated from Holland High School and Hope College. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul, in 2015, and is survived by his wife Susan, his mother Jan, his brother Carl (Pamela), his nephew Neil, his niece, Cora, aunts, uncles and cousins.

As a teenager and young adult, he was active in Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, serving on staff at Camp Gerber, and attending conclaves, gaining lifelong friends in the process. Bill was also a gifted artist with a great sense of composition. Whatever he created, be it a collage or other artwork, a cardboard nine-hole mini golf course in the fraternity house, or the Beeriodic Table of the Alements, he always had a clear vision of the task at hand and created masterpieces as a result.

Before moving to Wisconsin, he spent many years in the food and hospitality industry, learning to appreciate presentation- heavy dinners and helping restaurants like The Sandpiper and stores like Butch’s Dry Dock build and develop quality beer and wine lists.

In 1994, he married Susan Tomesek. After moving around to a few places, they settled in Kaukauna in a unique house overlooking the Fox River. He was an avid golfer, both playing and watching the game with passion, and met many local friends through that activity. He loved his Red Wings hockey, annual college football trips, and was, most likely, the only Lions fan allowed to own Packers season tickets, boldly sporting silver and Honolulu Blue at Lambeau Field.

He was also a member of Pyrotechnics’ Guild International, serving as an officer and security provider at annual conventions. “GT3XTJ” was also a serious geocacher, finding an ammo box in nearly every U.S. state. He was an appreciator of nature, and loved to visit U.S. National Parks with Susan and was an avid and knowledgeable bird watcher, an activity often enjoyed while floating an ice cube.