Dolores C. Van Camp

Dolores Catherine Van Camp, 84, of Freedom, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on Friday, July 8, 2016. She was born on October 10, 1931, daughter of the late Antone and Sophia (Lamers) Nelessen. On September 3, 1952, Dolores was united in marriage to Eugene Van Camp at St. Paul Catholic Church in Wrightstown. Together they raised their 11 children on the family dairy farm in Freedom. Throughout her life, Dolores enjoyed working the family farm side by side with her husband Eugene, and their children. She loved being a Mom by always putting family first over herself. She was always able to see the good in everyone and accepting of everything no matter what. Dolores was a devoted member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Freedom, was a member of the Christian Mothers Society, and sang in the choir for many years. She loved to bake, sew, work in the garden, bowl, and go camping with family. Her greatest and most memorable trip was to Rome. Dolores was a genuine, hardworking, and faithful woman who will be truly missed. She was a strong caring woman, and her beautiful and courageous soul will live on forever.

Dolores is survived by her children: Sue (Charlie Sheppard) Van Camp; and her son, Ben Vanden Heuvel; Lee (Lisa) Van Camp; and their children: Matt (Danielle) and Sarah; Carol (Dave “Fuzz”) Vosters; and their children: Jesse (Becky), Dana (Jason) Wilkinson and Ryan (Brittany); Wayne (Carol) Van Camp; and their children: Darren (Erin), Chad (Wendy) and Tedd (Hilary); Mary (John) Van Deraa; and their son Craig (Jessalyn) Garvey; Peggy (Elmer) Eiting; and their children: Brady and Peyton; Lynn (Tom) Van Zeeland; and their children: Alex and Nicole; Patricia (Mark Lillge)Van Stralen; and her children: Evan, Chloe and Avery; Barb (Dave) Strick; and their children: Jade, Taylor and Jordan; Dawn (Paul Blair) Van Camp; Brad (Carol) Van Camp; and their children: Norah, Jack and Hank; 16 great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen (Jim Van Vreede) Diedrick; a sister, Dolly (Dale) Meulemans; sisters and brothers-in-law: Rita Nelessen, Marian Nelessen, Bernice Nelessen, Floyd (Joanne) Van Camp, Mary Van De Hey, and Therese Van Camp; her loving dog, Odie; and many other family members and friends.

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Eugene Van Camp (2-14-2015); her parents; a grandson, Kyle Van Camp; a great-grandson, Cooper Wilkinson; brothers: Norb, Urban, Clarence, Eugene, Bob, and Jim Nelessen; sisters: Ruth Van De Hey, Marie Vosters, Milly Newhouse, Eunice Vosters; and many other members of Dolores and Eugene’s family.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 County Road S, Freedom, with Fr. Walter Stumpf officiating. Visitation will be at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, N3972 Columbia Ave., Freedom on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. concluding with a prayer service, and again on Wednesday directly at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.  Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Freedom. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

Mom we are thankful for your unconditional love. You had the ability to make all eleven of us feel special, and you were always there for us. You taught us patience, kindness, and mostly love.  Mom you were an inspiration to us by living and sharing your deep faith. You are a true definition of a Mother. We will miss you more than you will ever know.

The Van Camp family would like to express a special thank you to Nurse Mary Weber, Mary Kalies, and Deb Klinge whose loving care and compassion was a blessing to our family.  We would also like to express our gratitude to Father Walter Stumpf, and Deacon Gary Vanness. Thank you to St. Paul’s Hospice and their entire team for all their loving support and guidance for Mom and our family. Thank you to all who have provided support and prayers.

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