Chera Hietpas

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Chera Catherine Hietpas, on July 14, 2024, at the age of 74. She was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on February 7, 1950, to Germaine and Robert Hietpas.
Chera worked at Hoffmaster for many years as a tow motor driver. She was a loving, hardworking, and spunky woman. She loved hard and would do anything to help her loved ones when needed. Chera was known by her friends and family as the best Christmas Candy and Chex-Mix maker, always making enough so everyone had some, plus leftovers.
Chera overcame a lot of battles in her life. The last battle she fought was dementia. She was diagnosed in 2014 and fought hard for 10 years. During those years, she never lost her spunk. She loved listening to music, especially Elvis, dancing, doing crafts, playing bingo, and just being with her many friends.
Chera had a great group of friends. She went on many adventures with them and made even more memories, normally being the one getting them into trouble.
Before that terrible disease took over, Chera lived for her 8 grandchildren. She babysat whenever she could and spoiled them every chance she got. Being "Nana" to them is what brought pure joy into her heart.
Chera will be missed by so many here on Earth but will be greeted by so many in heaven. She finally knows what true peace and happiness feel like, and for that, whenever we feel sad, we can remember she is happy.
Chera is survived by her children: Lisa (Andy) Gilmore, Sara Jansen, Amy (Jeff) Kolasinksi, and David Vander Velden; and her grandchildren: Eli Gilmore, Mallory Vogels, Morgan Vogels, Jackson Kolasinski, Mason Kolasinski, Savannah Vander Velden, and Walter Vander Velden. She is further survived by her siblings: Lynn (Dick) Strutz, Mark (Kim) Hietpas, Tom (Sue) Hietpas, and Ray (Becky) Hietpas; her goddaughter, Abby (Ben) Giffin, and a very special friend Mary Frank; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Chera is preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Germaine; her beloved granddaughter, Frehley Gilmore; infant sister, Robin; brother, Lee Hietpas; and nephew, Mark Strutz.
Visitation for Chera will be held at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) on August 1, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time of Funeral at 4:00 p.m.
The family would like to give a very special thank you to the staff at Frontida, who took care of Chera for many years. Many of them became her family and she loved them as such. They'd also like to express their gratitude to St. Croix Hospice and their care for Chera over the last year.
Last, but not least, the family would like to thank Chera's best friend, Mary Frank.
Mary-you made these last ten years of mom's life great. You made her feel like she had a bit of a normal life outside the shadow of the disease. We always knew she was safe and taken care of. You treated her like a sister and we will forever be grateful for everything you have done.
The AA serenity prayer was something our Mom looked to whenever she needed a reminder that she was not perfect but it was OK to not be. This prayer guided her through the many struggles she had in her life. Please say this prayer in memory of her.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
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