Darlene M. Van Camp

Darlene Martha (Coffey) Van Camp, 85, of Freedom, Wisconsin, passed away the morning of March 5, 2025, at the Country Villa Assisted Living facility. She was born on June 16, 1939 in Freedom to Clifton and Evelyn (Arnoldussen) Coffey. On February 10, 1959 she was united in marriage to Jacob Jerome Van Camp, Jr. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

Darlene attended Holy Cross Catholic Grade School and Kaukauna High School. She held a job at Gustman’s Auto Dealership and after her marriage became a homemaker and mother to seven children which were raised on farms in Freedom.

A woman of many talents, Darlene was a long-time member of the Christian Mother’s Society and the St. Nicholas Parish choir in which she sang beautiful solos with her lovely soprano voice. For a few years she volunteered at the St. Paul Home in Kaukauna as well. She was involved with a local creative writing group having had several short stories published in local newspapers. And she always had a good joke to tell on hand along with a handbag full of Dove chocolates to give out to anyone she’d meet just to put a smile on their face. At Christmas she would even don a Mrs. Claus outfit to pass out the candy. We will miss her cheerfulness, her “la de das” and her “whoop de dos” immensely.

Being of Irish decent, St. Patrick’s Day was a major holiday. She and Jake enjoyed a trip to Ireland, as well as to Hawaii along with additional travels. She was our party girl always singing and dancing, even doing the disco with the kids in the kitchen! On one birthday she had a visit from “Elvis” which was great fun. Spending time with her family, her many friends, including the “Mixed Nuts” ladies group, brought her much joy and happiness.

Darlene is survived by Jacob, her devoted husband of 66 years and her children: Jacob III (Fay), Gregg, Sally (Quinton) Bennett, Kurt (Peggy), Mark (Pamela), Nicholas (Alina) along with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her father- and mother-in-law, Jacob Sr. and Regina (Schuh) Van Camp; her son Michael, her grandson whom she called “my Clifton” Van Camp, her beloved sister Margaret Ann (Coffey) Swedberg, brother Ronald Coffey and other members of the Coffey and Van Camp families.

Darlene’s legacy lives on in the family she nurtured and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and generosity. To know her was to love her. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, located at W2037 County Rd S, Freedom, WI 54130. Family and friends may call at the church on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Cremation and Burial in the St. Nicholas Church Cemetery will be held privately at a later date.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Country Villa Assisted Living facility and Heartland Hospice for the compassionate care provided during Darlene’s stay.