Harrison J. Vande Streek
Harrison J. Vande Streek, 100, died peacefully on October 29, 2025 at St. Francis Home. He was born on September 21, 1925 in a farmhouse a few miles from Fox Lake. He was the son of Bert and Alice (Vande Zande) Vande Streek.
Harrison attended school in Fond du Lac County. He joined the Navy at age 18 and proudly served aboard the LST1144 Ship during WW II in the Pacific.
After serving his country Harrison worked on the Soo Line Railroad for a short time, then took a job at Kiekhaefer Mercury (later became Mercury Marine) in the original “barn” where he worked for 43 years, retiring in the early 1990’s.
Harrison met the love of his life on a blind date, when he was on leave from the U.S. Navy, serving his country. He was united in marriage to Leatrice Maurice at St. Louis Church on October 22, 1949. Their marriage continued for seventy years. Family meant everything to Harrison. He loved getting together with family and friends, especially the countless get togethers with his daughters Susan, Mary, and their families.
Harrison was an active member of the former St. Louis Parish and current Holy Family Parish. At St. Louis Church, he served as President of the Parish Council. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society and Men’s Club. Harrison also sang in the Church Choir for many years.
He and his wife enjoyed delivering meals at noon to shut ins with Meals on Wheels. They also enjoyed volunteering with Loaves and Fishes.
Harrison was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus for 40 years and served as a Board Member and Treasurer of Calvary Cemetery for many years.
Golf and bowling was his passion. His finest golf memory was scoring an eagle on par 5 hole number 17 at Rolling Meadows golf course. His passion for these sports lasted way into his late nineties.
On September 21st of this year, Harrison celebrated his centennial birthday with a huge epic bash at the Raddison, along with 80 guests.
He will be deeply missed by his two daughters Susan (Glen) Van Gheem and Mary (Michael) Kuechler, brothers Bernard (Doris) Vande Streek and Wayne (Emma Jean) Vande Streek, brother-in-law Jack Maurice, Grandchildren Brian (Kathie) Van Gheem, Kevin (Amy) Van Gheem, Steven (Ann) Van Gheem, Chris (Terri) Kuechler, Kimberly (Dave) Mateljan, Nick (Kim) Kuechler. 21 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many friends, especially Marge Konen, Cecilia Martin, and Mary Mauer.
Proceeded in death by his parents, Alice and Bert, his sisters- Cynthia (Kenneth) Kastein, Gladys (Ted) Kastein, Eleanor (Melvin) Ter Beest. Sister in laws- Linda (Jack) Maurice, Patricia (Walter) Meyer. Brother in laws – Kenneth (Cynthia) Kastein, Ted (Gladys) Kastein, Melvin (Eleanor) Ter Beest, Walter (Patricia) Meyer.
Visitation will be on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00am at St. Francis Home Chapel at 33 Everett St. Services will take place at 10:00 am at the chapel. Entombment will follow at Calvary Mausoleum.
Harrison’s life celebration will be a joint celebration with his wife Leatrice. Leatrice died during Covid and was unable to have her own life celebration.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Harrison’s name may be given to Holy Family Parish or Saint Francis Home.
Harrison’s family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at St. Francis Home for the kind and loving care that you gave him. It was his home for the last 15 months and he loved the residents and everyone who took care of him.
Online condolences may be offered at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.