William Francis Van Lieshout

William Francis Van Lieshout, age 57, of Oshkosh, passed peacefully into eternal life in his home on Thursday, June 16, 2011 surrounded by his family. His passion for teaching and coaching youth athletics, especially tennis was known throughout the State of Wisconsin. He was affectionately known as Bill, Mr. V, or Coach Van Lieshout. Bill was born on August 1, 1953 in Oswego, New York the son of Joseph and Mary Jane Bevers Van Lieshout of Menasha. On June 20, 1981 he married Sandra J. Galioto in Milwaukee.A lifelong resident of the Fox Valley, Bill was a Physical Education Teacher at Merrill Middle School in Oshkosh for 30 years where he coached basketball, volleyball, wrestling and track. He was the Boys and Girls Tennis Coach at Oshkosh North High school for 27 years, advancing an entry to the WIAA State Tennis Tournament every year but one. He graduated from University Wisconsin-Madison where he was a member of the Mens Tennis Team and received his masters degree in physical education from Northern Arizona University. Tennis was a large part of Bills life, both personally and professionally. Bill met his wife Sandy, while teaching at the Bachman-Laing tennis camp at Lawrence University in Appleton. He was a member of the USPTA, USRSA, past president and hall of fame inductee of the Wisconsin State High School Tennis Coaches Association. His summers were spent teaching Rec Department tennis lessons at Menominee Park. Helping to spread grass-roots tennis, he founded Oshkosh Tennis Association Program at North High School. He pioneered the project to update the Oshkosh North High School Tennis Facility which was recognized by the USTA at the 2009 US Open as an Outstanding Facility. Bill was the proud father of the USTA Midwest Tennis Family of the Year. In 2010, Bill received the Hometown Hero Award in Madison. He was humbled by awards he received for working hard and following his passion. The little free time Bill had was spent working on his collection of Corvairs, traveling with his wife and children, and finding ways to give back to the community. He was always available to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Bill never gave up on anyone or anything. His fighting spirit was evident to all who knew him. Throughout the last two years of living with terminal illness, Bill defied all odds, living life to the fullest. He exemplified his teaching and coaching by demonstrating his passion for life, strength, hope, determination and perseverance. Bill was known for many sayings, but most notably, Never give up. He will be sadly missed.Bill is survived by his wife Sandra, two sons Matthew(Melanie) Van Lieshout of Santa Barbara, CA., Peter Van Lieshout of Bradenton, FL., one daughter Marjorie Van Lieshout of Shorewood,WI, his mother Mary Jane Van Lieshout of Menasha, two brothers Tom(Mary) Van Lieshout, Jim(Mary) Van Lieshout, two sisters Joan(Jack) Ewig, Barb(Rich) Rueth, sisters-in-law Debora(Larry) Howe, Tamara Galioto, Andrea(John Evans) Galioto, one brother-in-law Thomas(Ellen Biever) Galioto, father-in-law and mother-in-law Thomas and Joan Galioto and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Van Lieshout.Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday June 21, 2011 at 10 a.m at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish-St. Peter Church with Rev. James Jugenheimer officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday June 20, 2011 at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Westside from 2-7:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 and will continue at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will take place in St. Margaret Cemetery.A memorial has been established in Bills name.The family would like to thank the Oshkosh Community and Wisconsin Tennis Community for their support.

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Monday, June 20, 2011
2-7:30 p.m.



Most Blessed Sacrament- St Peter site



435 High Ave.
Oshkosh
WI
54901

Tuesday, June 21, 2011
9 a.m. until service



Most Blessed Sacrament- St Peter site



435 High Ave.
Oshkosh
WI
54901

Tuesday, June 21, 2011
10 a.m.