Rita L. Van Elzen

Rita Laverne (Helms) Van Elzen, 86 of Hilbert, was called to her Heavenly home on Monday, August 22, 2016, with her husband by her side. She was born on August 27th, 1929, in Appleton, daughter of Edwin and Ruth (Van Heukelon) Helms.

Rita grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton High School in 1950. After graduation, she met Don Van Elzen on a blind date. They married on August 30, 1952, and made their first home in Kimberly, where they raised their ten children and owned and operated Van Elzen’s Apple Orchard. In 1989, they moved to Lake Winnebago where they enjoyed many sunsets together.

Rita was an active member in her parishes; Holy Name in Kimberly and St. John/Sacred Heart in Sherwood. She was a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program for Calumet County.

Besides her family, her greatest accomplishments were her cake creations, gingerbread houses, sewing, and all of the homemade creations that she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

In 1976, with her “spare” time, she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Center – Fox Valley, where she maintained a 3.6 GPA and earned scholarships.

Rita is survived by her loving husband of nearly 64 years, Don Van Elzen, her ten children: Barb (Gary) Timm, Dave (Dawn) Van Elzen, Jean (Jeff) Baumgart, Jerry (Bev) Van Elzen, Lori (Dan) Vosters, John Van Elzen, Jim (Nancy) Van Elzen, Joe (Paige) Van Elzen, Mary (Mike) Demerath, and Andy (Debbie) Van Elzen; 33 grandchildren: Chris (Amy) Timm, Andy (Katie) Timm, Eric Timm, Greg (Jennifer) Van Elzen, Mat (Mollie) Van Elzen, Tyler Van Elzen (Amanda), Waylon (Sydney) Van Elzen, Dana (Abby) Van Elzen, Jacci (Marty) Vanden Heuvel, Jeremy (Jackie) Baumgart, Jenny (Brad) Welhouse, Jared Van Elzen (fiancé Amanda Murphy), Katie (Jamie) Van De Hei, Ashley (Matt) Swanson, Sami (Brian) Behnke, Megan (Paul) Lund, Mackenzie Van Elzen (Adam), Jesse Vosters, Josh (Jennifer) Vosters, Laura Vosters (John), Anna Van Elzen (Jim), Jack Van Elzen, Jami (Julian) Dominguez, Crystal (Justin) Short, Travis (Tarah) Schuster, Kejel Van Elzen (Alex), Hunter and Kolten Van Elzen, Alex Demerath (Gina), Jestin Demerath (fiancé Amanda Lemke), Taylor Demerath, Gwen and Liam Van Elzen, 28 great-grandchildren, her brothers and sisters: Ron (Irene) Helms, Marilyn Kern, Kate Helms, Shirley Richardson, Leone (Jack) Hahnemann, Crystal Helms, Maggie (Don) Warner, Edwina (Chuck) Schueler and Ruth Ann Stiemke; her brothers and sisters-in-law: Dolores (Emil) Koller, Shirley Van Elzen, Tom (Yvonne) Van Elzen, Richard Van Elzen, Bill (Sandy) Van Elzen, Bob (Mary) Van Elzen, Donna (Gene) Simon;  numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson, Cody Van Elzen; father and mother-in-law, Jack and Angela Van Elzen; brothers-in-law, Roger Van Elzen, Bill Rankin, Paul Stiemke, Ralph Gunther and Nick Kern; sisters-in-law, Janice and Gloria Van Elzen.

The celebration of life for Rita will be held at 11:00 a.m. on her birthday, Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (N369 Military Rd, Sherwood). Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the Church and again at Church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m.  until the time of Mass.

The family of Rita wishes to show our appreciation to Dr. Butitta, her caregivers: her son, Jim; Lisa (Stay at Home Care), Kelly, Robin, Rachel, the staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice, and all who helped with the care of Rita.

Spending the last 66 years with you were the best years of my life. I will sure miss you. Until we meet again in Heaven. Love, Don.

Mom, Thank you for sharing your life, love, and experiences with us. We will treasure them forever. Love, your Children.

“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sunshine warm your face, and rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” – Traditional Irish Blessing

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