Elaine Van Gompel

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3

On April 24, 2024 Elaine “Duggee” Van Gompel with her children by her side, the Lord entered and took her to the room He prepared for her in His glorious kingdom.

Elaine “Duggee” Jansen was born to parents Irving and Dorothy (Larson) Jansen on January 31, 1942 in Iron Mountain Michigan. Duggee graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1960. It was on her first day of High School that Duggee met Tom Van Gompel, little did she realize then that Tom was her soulmate and soon to be her husband. They were united in marriage on November 26, 1960 and celebrated 57 wonderful years together before Tom passed away.  Their love for one another was evident to all who knew them, especially to their four beautiful children.

Duggee was a proud stay-at-home wife and mother. She was very involved in PTA, Scouts, Mustang auxiliary and thoroughly enjoyed cooking and watching her children grow up. Her children were her greatest joy and blessings in life. When they were grown, she got a job at Community First Credit Union and retired from there in 2007.

Upon retirement, Duggee and Tom enjoyed going to the casino and spending time at their favorite getaway in Mackinac Island, which is also where they spent their honeymoon. Christmas was their favorite holiday and they would go all out decorating the outside of their home with over 25,000 lights, take that Chevy Chase!

If there was an award for the World’s Biggest Elvis fan, Duggee would win by a landslide. She was thrilled to have seen him in concert, where she claims she jumped over many rows of seats to get to the front. Those who knew her well would probably say this is true, she did come home with a part of his scarf after all! In her later years, she enjoyed the visits from the Elvis impersonator with her friends at Hallmark. Between her frequent stops at Kwik Trip for the cappuccino, Duggee could be seen tending to her beautiful plants and flowers at her home. She took pride in caring for all those she loved, her visits with the best homemade soup and desserts were always welcomed with open arms. 

Duggee was the definition of one of a kind. Her servant heart, witty charm, and sense of humor will never be forgotten. Duggee, you will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you and it is with much laughter that your “stories” will always be remembered. Heaven just got a whole lot more fun!

Elaine is survived by her son, Scott (Sue) Van Gompel; daughter, Lisa (Daryl) Klink; son-in-law, Tom DeBruin; grandchildren: Adam Van Gompel, Leah (Jordan) Timm, Amanda (Fred) Thurston, Zachary Van Gompel, Gabrielle Van Gompel (Bryan Strobusch), Emma Van Gompel, Eli Van Gompel, Michael DeBruin (Stephanie Good), Kayla (Ross) Wells, Brooke (Jon) Giordana, Brianna (Adam) Lemke, David Klink; great grandchildren: James, Ayden, Henry, Harper, Ethan, Charlie, Nash, Knox Alan, Gracie Jo, Rhett, Knox, Faye Pamela, Mason, Aubrey Elaine, Daniel, Nora; brothers/sisters-in-law: Roger (Helen) Van Gompel, Dan (Elaine) Van Gompel, Bob Gossen, Diane (Tom) Wilkerson, Shirley (Gary) Bley and many nieces and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Dorothy Jansen; husband, Thomas “T.C.” Van Gompel; precious children: daughter, Pamela DeBruin and son, Kevin Thomas; brother, Howard “Howie” Jansen; father and mother-in-law, Henry and Harriet Van Gompel; and sister-in-law, Virginia “Gin” Gossen.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Little Chute Location, 101 Canal Street, Little Chute, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Jesse Johnston will officiate. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

Duggee’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael Werner and staff, Rennes Health and Rehab Center and all the staff at Care Partners on French Road.

Mom, knowing you are with dad, Pam and Kevin makes our hearts happy, you have so many stories to tell them. We miss and love you so much!

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.