Bruce Everett Van Gysel, affectionately known by “Papa” and “Uncle Skip,” passed away at age 80, with his family by his side, on December 11, 2025. He was born on July 24, 1945, in WI, to parents, Gertrude (Demuris) and Allen Van Gysel Sr. He grew up in Milwaukee and attended Custard High School.

Later on, he met the love of his life, Patricia K. Bolle, at a local pool hall. The words love at first sight held true. They married on August 28, 1976, also in Milwaukee. Selling his blue Thunderbird muscle car, he proudly started a family.

He worked for Evinrude Motors and Johnson controls. He would help out family on the weekends at Uncle Al’s restaurant, in Berlin. He excelled in the restaurant industry and in 1984, he moved his family to Omro, WI, to be the head chef, then later manager at the Main Street Restaurant. Bruce loved cooking omelets, BBQ chicken and his famous “Bruce California Burger.” Some may say he was also a walking recipe encyclopedia.

In his free time, Bruce enjoyed bowling, watching golf, going to Church, playing slots at Oneida, passing down his love of music- especially Pink Floyd to his kids and grandchildren. He was always spending as much time with the grandchildren, from attending their sporting events to being a friend when they needed support. He had a heart of gold, was very funny, a friend to all and a true one of a kind. He built lasting memories with a family trip to the House on the Rock and the Cave of the Mounds. He will be truly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia Van Gysel; children, Rebecca “Becky” McNamara and her children, Samuel and Jack, Janis (Brendan M.) Van Gysel and her children, Krista (Todd R.) and Michael (August J.), Jennifer Van Gysel and her children, Deion and Tatayana and Nicholas “Nick” (Victoria) Van Gysel; three great-grandchildren, Evelyn “Peanut”, Cloud and Deion’s son; sister, Sheila Sill; brother, Allen Jr. (Purita) Van Gysel; sister-in-law, Pamela Healy; brother-in-law, Rodney (Emel) Bolle; bonus daughters, Diane Schneider and Jenny Perleberg and grandson, Ethan Van Gysel; several cousins, nieces, nephews, best friend, Jack Van Patten; his friends, including the Villard Street Group; and kitty, Audi.

Preceding him in death was his parents, Gertrude (Demuris) and Allen Van Gysel Sr.; brother, Mark Van Gysel; parents-in-law, Walter and Evelyn Bolle; sister-in-law, Mary Ruppert; brother-in-law, Ray Sill; and beloved Yorkie, Leo.

Per his wishes, no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Oshkosh Humane Society in his honor.