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BORN
1937
DIED
2025
Eileen VanAcker Obituary
Eileen M. (Hetzel Meixelsperger) VanAcker
October 8, 1937 - June 15, 2025
MAZOMANIE - With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Eileen M. (Hetzel Meixelsperger) VanAcker of Mazomanie; Eileen passed away peacefully at home with her family on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born on October 8, 1937, in Plain, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Herman and Althea (Riek) Hetzel, Eileen was a woman of extraordinary strength, unwavering grace and boundless love. Her life was marked by quiet courage and a strong devotion to family.
Her passion for learning never faded. Eileen worked for the State of Wisconsin for 24 years. She also proudly became certified as a member of the Dane County District One EMS team in 2005, followed by a role at BrightStar providing home care. She cherished the people she served.
Eileen traveled widely throughout the United States and Europe, embracing new places and experiences with spirit and joy. In her later years, she spent winters in North Port, Florida, where she found community, sunshine and lasting friendships.
Our mother's home remained a place of warmth, laughter and enduring love, even in the most challenging times. She gave generously of her time, traveling to Mississippi on several occasions to help with hurricane recovery and cleanup efforts. She also chaired a fundraiser for hurricane relief. She sacrificed tirelessly, worked endlessly and loved unconditionally.
Eileen will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her unwavering faith, and the quiet way she made everyone around her feel special, safe and loved. She never asked for much, but gave more than most ever could.
Eileen married Harold Meixelsperger on September 3, 1956, and they purchased a beautiful farm between Mazomanie and Black Earth. It was there they raised their nine children and created a lifetime of memories.
After the passing of Harold in 1972, Eileen found love again and married Fred VanAcker in 1973. Fred preceded Eileen in death in January 2004. She lived through both of these deep losses with quiet strength and faith.
Survivors include her children, Sharon Vosen (Jeffrey Dalby), Sheryl (Danny) Schaller, Sue (Alan) Dresen, Steve (Pattie) Meixelsperger, David (Laurie) Meixelsperger, Dale (Monika) Meixelsperger, Diane (Kevin) Fisher, and Donnie Meixelsperger; stepchildren, Gary (Pam) VanAcker, Zina (Larry) Kimmel, and Jan (Lee) Daniels; 28 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; she is further survived by other relatives and many friends.
In addition to her parents and both husbands, she was preceded in death by grandsons, Scott Howard and Tony Schaller
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2947 Thinnes Street, Cross Plains, Wisconsin, on Friday, June 20, at 11 a.m., with Father Brian Dulli celebrating. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass from 9 a.m., until the start of Mass. Interment will follow in the St. Barnabas Cemetery, Mazomanie; a Celebration of Eileen's Life will follow at Grandma Mary's, 175 Hwy 14, Arena. Eileen's Funeral Mass will be live streamed at the time of service on the church's website; https://holycrosswi.org/sfxcp-livestream
Eileen's family wishes to thank the many healthcare professionals at Dean Clinic and Agrace Hospice Care for their loving care, especially nurse Jamie at Agrace.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or agrace.org/donate, or Dane County District One EMS, 316 W. Commercial St., Mazomanie, WI 53560.
She was our matriarch, our heart and our home. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered with every sunrise, every family gathering, and every act of love passed down through the generations she shaped.
Rest gently, Mom. You were our everything.
Online condolences and more information can be found at hooversonfuneralhomes.com.
October 8, 1937 - June 15, 2025
MAZOMANIE - With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Eileen M. (Hetzel Meixelsperger) VanAcker of Mazomanie; Eileen passed away peacefully at home with her family on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born on October 8, 1937, in Plain, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Herman and Althea (Riek) Hetzel, Eileen was a woman of extraordinary strength, unwavering grace and boundless love. Her life was marked by quiet courage and a strong devotion to family.
Her passion for learning never faded. Eileen worked for the State of Wisconsin for 24 years. She also proudly became certified as a member of the Dane County District One EMS team in 2005, followed by a role at BrightStar providing home care. She cherished the people she served.
Eileen traveled widely throughout the United States and Europe, embracing new places and experiences with spirit and joy. In her later years, she spent winters in North Port, Florida, where she found community, sunshine and lasting friendships.
Our mother's home remained a place of warmth, laughter and enduring love, even in the most challenging times. She gave generously of her time, traveling to Mississippi on several occasions to help with hurricane recovery and cleanup efforts. She also chaired a fundraiser for hurricane relief. She sacrificed tirelessly, worked endlessly and loved unconditionally.
Eileen will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her unwavering faith, and the quiet way she made everyone around her feel special, safe and loved. She never asked for much, but gave more than most ever could.
Eileen married Harold Meixelsperger on September 3, 1956, and they purchased a beautiful farm between Mazomanie and Black Earth. It was there they raised their nine children and created a lifetime of memories.
After the passing of Harold in 1972, Eileen found love again and married Fred VanAcker in 1973. Fred preceded Eileen in death in January 2004. She lived through both of these deep losses with quiet strength and faith.
Survivors include her children, Sharon Vosen (Jeffrey Dalby), Sheryl (Danny) Schaller, Sue (Alan) Dresen, Steve (Pattie) Meixelsperger, David (Laurie) Meixelsperger, Dale (Monika) Meixelsperger, Diane (Kevin) Fisher, and Donnie Meixelsperger; stepchildren, Gary (Pam) VanAcker, Zina (Larry) Kimmel, and Jan (Lee) Daniels; 28 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; she is further survived by other relatives and many friends.
In addition to her parents and both husbands, she was preceded in death by grandsons, Scott Howard and Tony Schaller
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2947 Thinnes Street, Cross Plains, Wisconsin, on Friday, June 20, at 11 a.m., with Father Brian Dulli celebrating. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass from 9 a.m., until the start of Mass. Interment will follow in the St. Barnabas Cemetery, Mazomanie; a Celebration of Eileen's Life will follow at Grandma Mary's, 175 Hwy 14, Arena. Eileen's Funeral Mass will be live streamed at the time of service on the church's website; https://holycrosswi.org/sfxcp-livestream
Eileen's family wishes to thank the many healthcare professionals at Dean Clinic and Agrace Hospice Care for their loving care, especially nurse Jamie at Agrace.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or agrace.org/donate, or Dane County District One EMS, 316 W. Commercial St., Mazomanie, WI 53560.
She was our matriarch, our heart and our home. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered with every sunrise, every family gathering, and every act of love passed down through the generations she shaped.
Rest gently, Mom. You were our everything.
Online condolences and more information can be found at hooversonfuneralhomes.com.
Published by Madison.com on Jun. 18, 2025.
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