Mary Etta (Shuckhart) Arnoldussen

Mary Etta Arnoldussen, age 78, of Kaukauna, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, died in her home peacefully with family by her side on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. 

Mary was born on November 11, 1945 to the late Harold and Lorraine Shuckhart. On July 27, 1963, she married the love of her life, Dale Arnoldussen. They resided in Kaukauna, where they raised their family of five and enjoyed 57 years together until Dale’s passing on January 27, 2021.

In her younger years she enjoyed dancing, bowling, playing cards, bingo and baking, and she especially loved taking care of her children and grandchildren.

Mary and Dale also donated their time running St. Mary’s Church Bingo for almost 30 years.

Mary grew to love birds. In fact, the last few years it was one of the things that brought her joy. She had 3 birdfeeders and if you went over for a visit, you were sure to be tasked with feeding the birds.

There are a lot of words that we can use to describe Mary but the best one is Grandma. Yes, she was a wife, mom, sister, friend, and bingo connoisseur, but when you think of a grandma, she is every definition of that. It was the late night movies and pizza, the cookie dough bowl, living room picnics, and she always had her freezer stocked full of various soups for those that needed it.  She gave you the feeling that made you feel warm and loved.

Now she had quite a way with words and there was no sugar coating anything with her, but it’s truly what you needed to hear. Mary was without a doubt the care giver of our family. She was the definition of matriarch. We will forever hold Mary in our hearts and inspire to be as strong as she has been for all of us.

Mary is survived by her five children, Allen (Chris) Arnoldussen, Brian (Julie) Arnoldussen, Cheryl Gloudemans, Dawn (Cameron) Giese, and Erica (Brian Miller) Arnoldussen and her ten grandchildren, Chasidy (Tom) Vosters, Christy (Erik) Weiss, Emily Dollins, Amber (Ben) Puls, Matthew (Kio) Arnoldussen, Amanda (Aaron) Gloudemans, Stephan Giese, Elizabeth Giese, Ashlee (Travis) Menard, Haylee (Jess) Hennes, and eight great grandchildren, Luke, Blair, Ben, John, Anthony, Grayson, Brianna and Raya. She is also survived by her three sisters, Juanita DeBruin, Agnes (Dennis) Hietpas, and Peggi Hoehne, and brother/sisters-in-laws, Erv Arnoldussen, Patricia Arnoldussen,  Phyllis Van Deraa and Sister Mary Arnoldussen.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dale; her parents, Harold and Lorraine Shuckhart; brother, Harold Shuckhart; sisters, Marie Frank and Linda Miller; and many in-laws, and half brothers/sisters.  

Heaven gained another angel, but the world lost the most amazing woman we have ever known. Your love for us was unsurmountable and the glue that held us all together. We can only hope that each one of us has a part of you so that we all together can keep this family that you have so selfless given us, together.    We will love you forever and miss you dearly.  Love, your truly blessed family!

The funeral mass for Mary will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Katherine-Drexel Church, St. Mary site, 119 W. 7th St. Kaukauna.  A time of visitation will be held on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the mass at church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Loaves and Fishes. Online condolences may be expressed at www.verkuilenfh.com.

The family would like to thank Compassus for their compassionate care Mary received these past few months.