Claire M. Wolfinger

Claire M. Wolfinger, 89, of Darboy, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 28, 2016. She was born on August 2, 1926, daughter of the late Leonard and Petronella (Vanden Boogard) Van Thiel. On July 11, 1946, Claire married Elmer Wolfinger, and together they shared over 61 years of marriage before his passing in 2007.

Claire worked at the family business, Elmer Wolfinger & Sons Construction, for over 50 years. In her younger years, she was extremely athletic, pitching a no hitter in softball and bowling a 300.  Along with Elmer, they enjoyed polka, sheepshead, gardening, watching the birds, and spending time with their family and friends at the cottage.  Claire also enjoyed baking, especially cookies and candy. There were many wonderful memories made up north. Claire loved all animals, she enjoyed feeding the birds and sneaking the dogs extra treats. Most importantly, she was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her family brought love and smiles to her heart. She will be deeply missed.

Claire is survived by her children: Darlene (Gary) Emmers, John (fiancée Pam Hoolihan) Wolfinger, Kathy (Randy Jahnke) Loiselle, Judy (Michael Francis) Wolfinger, and Jeff (Lori Richardson) Wolfinger; grandchildren: Lance (Cheri) Emmers, Brian Emmers, Stacey (Bill) Butler, Robin (Bob) Mayfield, Jon (Manda Morsette) Wolfinger, Jen (Josh) Hietpas, Kristy (John) Reider, Kerri (fiancé Jesse Henriquez) Loiselle, Tyler De Bruin, Ashley (Cory) Nackers, Mitchell De Bruin, Lauren (Dan) Van Ryzin, and Adam Francis; 10 great grandchildren with one more on the way; sisters-in-law: Frances Van Thiel and Doris Boehnlein; Godchildren: Tom Bongers and Jean Miskoviak; and many other family members and special friends.

Claire was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; her parents; mother and father-in-law, John and Ida Wolfinger; 8 siblings and Elmer’s 7 siblings, 2 Godchildren, Tom Kelly and Diane Dobberke.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2016, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 323 S. Pine Street, Little Chute, with Fr. Ron Belitz officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.  

The family would like to thank Brewster Village for all of the compassionate care given to Claire during her time there, especially the staff of the Heritage Mills wing.  

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