Victor "Vic" De Cleene, 90, De Pere, passed away peacefully at his home on July 7th surrounded by his family following a short battle with leukemia. He was born on March 9, 1921, the son of William and Christine De Cleene, the fourth of 14 children. Vic served in WWII in the US Army from 1942-1945 in a transportation division at Guadalcanal. Upon his return, Vic met the love of his life, Leona Patzke. They were married in 1947 and celebrated 63 wonderful years together being blessed with a very large circle of family and friends. After serving his country, Vic owned his own mason contracting company for 20 years. He then was employed by the State of Wisconsin as a building inspector until his retirement. Vic's compassion and enthusiasm for his community was demonstrated in all aspects of his life. He was an alderman in De Pere for twenty years, ending his prolific career in his beloved city with the position of mayor when his wife told him that if he ran for mayor again, he might as well keep on running. As a volunteer, he held a variety of positions in the De Pere Men's Club. He was also very active in the Knights of Columbus, holding the position of Grand Knight and remaining active throughout the rest of his life. As a veteran, he was passionate about his various roles in the VFW Club. Not only did Vic drive the Red Cross bus upon retirement for ten years, he also donated 24 gallons of blood. He devotedly delivered Meals on Wheels until three weeks prior to his death. Vic was also on the committee that initiated the MS Walk in Brown County. In spite of his rigorous volunteer schedule, Vic attended tri-weekly swim sessions at the YMCA. Vic's service to others was immeasurable; because of this, he was awarded the prestigious St. Norbert College Silver Knight award in 1994. He is survived by his wife, Leona (Patzke) De Cleene and his children, Eileen Miller, JoAnn (John) Werner, Bill (Judy) De Cleene, Larry (Barb) De Cleene, John (Lori) De Cleene, Vonnie (Larry) Voight and son-in-law, Bob Arvey. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrew, J. Jay, Andy (Trina), Buddy, Miranda, Craig (Andrea), John (Jessica), Jill, Jenna, Charlie (Autumn), Molly (Nate), Lee, Claire, John Jr., Neil, Stephanie, and Stacie(Mike). Surviving great-grandchildren are: Mason, Clayton, Brynndalynn, Bryce, Braylon, Will, Aiden, Ella, Madison, Jackson, and Alice. Vic is further survived by his siblings, Rita Boucher, Sr. Mary De Cleene SSND, Bernice Strenn, Loretta Verhasselt, Al (Joann) De Cleene, Helen Verhasselt, Sr. Vonnie De Cleene SSND, Alice Morrell, Joyce De Cleene, and Judy (Bob) Johanski. His surviving in-laws include Roy (Zelma) Patzke, Terrance (Rosemary) Patzke, Bob (Ceil) Patzke, LaVerne De Cleene, Carol Robillard, and Butch (Millie) Patzke. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Vicki Arvey, son-in-law Kenneth Miller, brothers Howard, Harold and Leo, and several in-laws. Visitation for Vic will be on Monday, July 11th, 2011 from 4-8 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth St., De Pere. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, July 12th, at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1305 Lourdes Ave., De Pere. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Father Tim Shillcox, O. Praem. and Deacon Mike Vander Bloomen officiating. A memorial fund has been established. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to express online condolences to the family. Vic's family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Unity Hospice, especially Theresa, Fr. Tim, Deacon Mike, and Dr. Kelly Lynch. When you look up into the night sky and see a star twinkling, you will know our dad, our grandpa, our great grandpa, our hero, is shining down upon us.