Gerald "Chum" Janssen, 87, passed away peacefully at St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay, WI on April 18th, 2024. Chum was born in De Pere, WI on August 24th, 1936, to the late Bernice (Baeten) and Lawrence "Sheep" Janssen.

Chum attended West De Pere High School and St Norbert College where he played basketball for the Golden Knights. After 2 years at St Norbert, Chum enlisted in the Army for a two-year tour before returning to finish his studies with a bachelor's degree in business. He married his high school sweetheart Mary Jane (Leininger) in 1959 at Old St. Joseph's Church. They celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on January 31st of this year. He worked locally at the Larsen Company for 20 years before moving to Carmel, IN to head up a food brokerage firm. In retirement Chum and Mary Jane moved back to De Pere to be closer to their families where he worked as a part time real estate broker at Coldwell Banker.

Chum enjoyed spending time with his large competitive family and more times than not, won whichever activity they played. He was a loving, humble, church going man who enjoyed all things sports, including the Green Bay Packers, golfing, and attending his kids and grandkids activities. He made lifelong friends through every stage of his life, from childhood to his return to De Pere where he especially enjoyed playing cards weekly with his group of retired buddies. He also enjoyed a tight knit group of friends from his time in Carmel, IN that he continued to stay in contact with till the very end.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary Jane, his children Julie (Rick) Gasaway, Pat (Alison) Janssen and his daughters-in-law Julie and Sandy. His 18 grandchildren Luke Janssen, Kayla (Bryant) Dorsey, Emily (Nick) Van Dreese, Sam Janssen, Chelsea (Omar) Malik, Zack Gasaway, Grace (Ryan) Grady, Maddie Gasaway, Ashley (Cody) Bradshaw, Jessica (Nate) Marine, Michael Janssen, Jenna Janssen, Jack (Addie) Belford, Carolyn Belford, Kathryn Belford, Grace Belford, Alex Janssen and Olivia Janssen, along with his 8 great grandchildren Jonny, Julia, Wesley, Emmitt, Dylan, Ruby, Isla and Chloe. His two loving sisters Kay Van Grunsven and Donna DeBroux as well as his in laws, Patti and Dick Jansen, Nancy and Harvey Quinette, Betty Lou Van Dreel and Janice and Donny Albers.

He was preceded in death by his two sons, Tom and Mike Janssen, his parents Bernice and Lawrence Janssen, brother Paul Janssen, in-laws Dorthy and Melvin Leininger, brothers and sister in-law Dave Van Grunsven, Fran DeBroux, Joyce Janssen and Tom Van Dreel.

Family and friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, De Pere from 9:00AM to 10:45AM Thursday, April 25th, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00AM with Father James Baraniak O.Praem. officiating.