Bret Van Den Heuvel

Bret Patrick Van Den Heuvel passed away December 22, 2021 losing his battle with addiction and mental illness.

Bret was born on a snowy morning December 6th, 2000. The Son of Keith and Angela (Ward) Van Den Heuvel. He was welcomed home by his brother Alex. When Bret was 3 his brother, Cole, joined the family and they were the brothers "ABC". Bret's favorite people in the whole world were his brothers Alex and Cole, with a close 2nd being Rachel (The sister he never had). He found comfort and solace in them.

Before addiction and mental health issues plagued Bret he enjoyed many things. He loved the outdoors, especially spending time at the Trailer with the whole family around. He loved gaming with his best friends, Caden Close and Connor Marcks.

He enjoyed hiking and exploring with his aunt, Sheila Goffard, and long walks in the woods with his little buddy, Simon. He also enjoyed long thought-provoking talks about the universe with his cousins, Mason and Gavin. He loved all animals but especially his girl, Nora.

He loved spending time with Jacob, Madlin and Amanda when possible, whether on a four wheeler trail, around a fire, or playing pool.

One of Bret's favorite pastimes was eating really good food. He loved going to Buffalo Wild Wings with both his brother and his best friend, Nick Sherman. He also enjoyed ethnic foods with his aunts, Sheila and Katie Ward. Trying many different restaurants and foods, the stranger and the spicier, the better.

It is hard to capture the spirit of Bret on paper. He was a kind and loving soul. He was sweet and gentle. Never saying unkind words. Even as mental illness and addiction ravaged his mind and body, his heart was pure till the end.

He is survived by his parents, Keith and Angie Van Den Heuvel of Black Creek. He is also survived by his brothers: Alex Van Den Heuvel and Rachel Schwichtenberg of Mankato MN, and Cole Van Den Heuvel and special friend Jazzy. He is further survived by grandma, Colleen Ward; grandpa Jim; and grandma, Judy Van Den Heuvel; aunts: Sheila Ward and Katie Ward, both of Black Creek; uncle, Brad (Amy) Van Den Heuvel; aunt, Shelly (Ray) Goffard; cousins: Mason and Gavin St. Thomas, Simon Ward, Jacob Van Den Heuvel, Amanda and Madlin Goffard.

Special aunties and uncles who loved Bret like their own were Tanya and Mark Caliaro, and Sara and Nate Schmit. Their acceptance, support, and love were very important and pivotal in Bret's life.

He is proceeded in death by his grandpa, Pat Ward; cousins: Harmony and Faith Van Den Heuvel.

Visitation for Bret will take place at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue at St. John Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 9:30 am until the funeral service at 11:00 am with Deacon Rich Matuszak officiating.

Bret's family requests that you show your support with memorials in his memory in lieu of flowers.

We would like to thank the staff of ThedaCare Behavioral Health for their dedicated care of all those suffering. Special thanks to Dr. Yvette Goebel, who Bret felt a special connection with.

Josh, Russ, Kimberly and Shandy whose care for Bret was amazing and will never be forgotten. Extra special thanks goes to the staff and clients of Eastwood. You were Bret's 2nd family in these last months. Your kindness wrapped Bret and our family in love.

Bretty, Sweet B., our Middle Man. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. We find solace that you have found peace in heaven that you never found on earth. Love, mom and dad.