Henry "Hank" N. Van Stedum, age 71, passed away on September 22, 2025. He was born on April 22, 1954, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late Henry G. and Anjean (Boersema) Van Stedum.

Hank grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and especially enjoyed tinkering with cars, the faster the better. He told the story many times about rebuilding a Volkswagon engine with his dad. He treasured the time working with and learning from his dad.

After high school Hank enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Hull Technician. Hank was very proud of his military service. He learned welding skills that he utilized throughout his career. It was during this time that Hank and Lori met, and they were married on September 9, 1978, taking up residence in San Diego. After Hank was honorably discharged in 1980, they relocated to De Pere, WI to be closer to family. They had 47 loving years together.

Hank had such a variety of activities that he enjoyed. He took great pride in receiving his private pilot's license and flew for many years. But his "go to" throughout his life was tinkering in the garage. He could fix just about anything, and if he couldn't fix it, he would build something new to replace it. He loved it even more when he was fixing something that would help someone else out.

In his younger years, Hank enjoyed scuba diving, snow skiing and many other activities that would get the adrenaline flowing. He wasn't afraid to try new things. However, it was camping and spending time with family and friends that really brought a lot of joy. Oh, the stories that could be told….

Hank was so proud of his family, and he especially loved being a grandpa. He left us way too soon and will be forever missed and remembered by his loving family and friends.

Hank is survived by his wife, Lori; his children Christopher (Amber) Van Stedum and Brian (Andrea) Van Stedum; his grandchildren, Sadie and Riley Van Stedum, and Sam Van Stedum; his siblings, Jim (Mary Lou) Van Stedum, Don Van Stedum and Ken Van Stedum; brother-in-laws Jim (Mary) Oates, Jeff (Dawn) Oates and Mike Oates; sister-in-law, Lisa (Gene) Dorner. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anjean Van Stedum, and Lori's parents, Robert and Aileen Oates; sister-in-laws Kris Oates and Michelle Oates.

Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. 10th Street De Pere, WI 54115, on Sunday October 05, 2025, from 1:00pm until the time of service at 3:00pm.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Country Villa Assisted Living, in Freedom, who treated Hank and the family with great respect and kindness.