Clarence VanDenElzen

1928 - 2017

VanDenElzen, Clarence

Clarence W. VanDenElzen, age 89, of De Pere, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at his home. The son of the late William and Ethel (VanVonderen) VanDenElzen was born February 8, 1928 in Green Bay. He married Marie Kocken on June 15, 1949 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in De Pere, and together they shared 68 years of marriage. He started working for Louie Everetts for 3 years, followed by 27 years at Ed Kocken Excavating. He later retired as a heavy equipment operator at Gauthier Construction after 12 years. Clarence was a devoted catholic, and the rosary was an important symbol of his faith. He was well involved at St. Mary Catholic Church in De Pere. He also helped with Meals on Wheels for 23 years, drove medical transport for Lamers for 15 years, and was a long-time member of the De Pere Area Men's Club. He spent his spare time at the cabin on Munger Lake, where he was instrumental in getting the dam rebuilt and restocking fish in the lake.

Survivors include his wife, Marie; children: Daniel (Kathleen) VanDenElzen, Susan (Richard) Smits, Janice Loehlein, Jean Angell, John (Laura) VanDenElzen, Betty (Roche) Smits, grandchildren: Mark VanDenElzen, Ann VanDenElzen, Sarah (Joe) McKee, Joash (Shannon) Smits, Erica (Steve) Rouser, Paul (Katie) Loehlein, Amy Loehlein, Jessica Thrun, Donnie (Mary) Angell, Chris (Laura) VanDenElzen, Craig (Beth) VanDenElzen, Trisha (Kyle) Meulemans, Tanya (Kevin) Kussow, and Tara Smits; many great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is further survived by his siblings: Don (Carol) VanDenElzen, Jane Kaster and Ruby (Gerald) Dohrmann; sisters-in-law: Theresa VanDenElzen, Eunice Kocken, Ann Kocken and Caroline Kocken; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by: sibings: Ervin (Cleo) and Orville; brother-in-law Jerry Kaster; Marie's brothers and sisters: Neil (Harriet) Kocken, Henrietta (Lester) Roffers, Albert (Marlene) Kocken, Helen (John) VanNoie, Walter Kocken, Norb Kocken and John Kocken.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, De Pere, on Thursday, June 15, from 5-8pm with a parish prayer service at 7:30pm. Visitation will continue on Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview, from 9:00am until 9:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Entombment in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.

Our family would like to extend a warm thank you to the caregivers from Unity Hospice, especially Bonnie, and to Robin Therese from St. Mary Catholic Church for their care and concern.