Blanche Van Dera

Van Dera, Blanche

Van Dera, Blanche M., nee Van Den Heuvel, formerly of Kaukauna, age 92, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2013, at Eden Hospital, California. She had resided with her daughter Ellen & son in-law Claude who cared for her for several years and were at her side when God took her home. Blanche was born August 6, 1920, and grew up in Appleton. She was the daughter of the late Theodore and Anna (Hietpas) Van Den Heuvel. Blanche married Henry Van Dera on June 7, 1945 and they made their home in Kimberly. In 1954, they moved to the farm where she had grown up and farmed until 1970. In July 1978, they moved to Kaukauna to enjoy their retirement. Blanche and her husband enjoyed the summer months in Kaukauna and winter months in California. Blanche was a member of St. Aloysius Parish. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Her favorite retirement pastimes were cooking, baking, and enjoying her grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Blanche will be deeply missed by her children: Joseph (Beverly Avchin) Van Dera, Mill Valley, CA, Roger (Sharon) Van Dera, Kaukauna, Ellen (Claude) Davis, Hayward, CA, Grace (Joe) Quinlan, Oak Lawn, IL, Denis (Debbie Ferrari) Van Dera, Sunol, CA, Timothy Van Dera, Kaukauna; seven grandchildren: Shari-Jo, Jessica, William, Leah, Amy, Ashley, and Sarah; five great-grandchildren: Phillip, Megan, Jasmine, Sophia, and Alyssa; sisters in-law: Loretta Nackers, Jean Van Dera, Kaukauna, and June Van Dera, Appleton; a brother in-law Peter Van Dera, Freedom; and many nieces and nephews.

Blanche was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Henry A. Van Dera, her siblings: Joseph, James, Morris, and Grace Van Den Heuvel; sisters-in-law: Lucille and Theresa Van Den Heuvel, Elaine Van Dera; and brothers-in-law: Theodore and Robert Van Dera, and Victor Nackers.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at St. Katherine Drexel Parish at St. Aloysius Church, 2401 Main Avenue, Kaukauna, with Fr. Jerry Pastors officiating. Friends will be received directly at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the mass. Private burial will be held at St. John's Cemetery in Little Chute. www.boettcherfamilyfuneral.com