Jerome "Jerry" Van Haren

Jerome "Jerry" Van Haren passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the age of 75. Jerry was born on January 5, 1951, in Manitowoc to his parents Robert and Adeline (Junk) Van Haren. After attending St. Paul’s elementary school, he went on to be part of the first graduating class of Roncalli High School in 1969. After graduation, Jerry attended Lakeshore Technical College for accounting, but left school to enlist in the US Army. He served during the Vietnam era in Germany in Communications. After his tour, he returned to Manitowoc and started his career at Point Beach Nuclear Plant. He retired from there after 39 years of service in 2013. Jerry married his wife, Yolanda "Landie," on May 14, 1983, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Two Rivers.

Jerry enjoyed many family-oriented activities: boating, camping, water skiing and helping his kids' scouting groups and bowling. He had a love of fixing broken items. He referred to himself as a tinkerer as he liked to fix things and build parts when needed instead of buying new ones or when a part he wanted wasn’t available to buy. Landie often commented she never got anything new because Jerry always fixed everything. Brian was fascinated by how Jerry enjoyed the challenge of making broken things work again. Laura says, “We didn’t share blood, but he loved me just the same and remember I drove the pontoon boat first.” Krista remembers when she was little and rode in the front standing on water skis with her dad. Jerry was a fun-loving, kind person who would always lend a helping hand to a friend or neighbor. He was quiet, but sometimes his silence spoke volumes and he was genuine. He was loving and loved. He was a member of First Lutheran Church for over 40 years, where he volunteered his time in various ways. It wasn’t uncommon to find him in the kitchen fixing a water leak on the coffee pot or sharpening pencils in church plus many other things that Landie volunteered for and recruited him to help.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Landie; daughter Krista (Shae) Sortwell and their children Tyler, Erin, Maximus, Felicity, Hope Ana and Katelyn; step-son Brian (Angela) Haese and their children Olivia and Evan; step-daughter Laura (Tim Duddeck) Clanderman and her children Christian (Amber), Alexandria (Isaac), and Jordyn (Colin); siblings Clyde (Pam) Van Haren, Janice (Thomas) Hallett, and Mary (Robert) Niedermann; siblings-in-law Sandy (Patrick) Halferty, Rogene (James) Tyson, Wyatte (Betty) Luzenski, Tierney (Ronald) Behling, Lowetta Luzenski, Robert Bergman, and Ginna Luzenski; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Adeline Van Haren, mother-in-law Gorgene Niemuth, fathers-in-law Harry Luzenski, Mervin Oliver and William Niemuth, brother-in-law Bretney Luzenski, and sister-in-law Trudet Bergman.

Cremation has occurred at Harrigan Parkside Crematory Chapel. Visitation will be held at First Lutheran Church, 521 N. 8th St., Manitowoc, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Andrew Wendle. Following the services, Military Honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 731.

Landie will always remember what Jerry said when they faced trying times: Remember, it’s you and me and me and you, kid.

“God gave me the gift of Jerry’s love, and I will carry it with me forever.” Landie Van Haren

Messages of sympathy may be left for the family by visiting Jerry's obituary page at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.