Lisa M. Vanden Elzen
Lisa Marie Vanden Elzen, age 53 of Hilbert, was given the devastating news one week ago that she had pancreatic cancer. The severity was unknown, yet she made it clear that she would fight to the end. As the week progressed, Lisa prepared for the fight ahead of her. Lisa’s condition intensified quickly. Her short battle ended and she went to be with her Lord, on Monday, March 27, 2017 at Thedacare Hospital in Appleton. She was born March 20, 1964 in Chilton, daughter of Roger and Diane (Dallmann) Krueger. She married Jim Vanden Elzen on September 11, 1993 at Peace Evangelical and Reform Church in Potter.
Lisa was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church and confirmed in 1978. She then graduated from Hilbert High School in 1982. She had worked at Guardian Life Insurance as a business process analyst. She was also very proud to be serving with the Hilbert/Potter First Responders. Lisa was recently honored with a 10 year pin for her service with the Gold Cross. She also dedicated her time and talents as their secretary and treasurer.
Lisa had a wonderful spirit and was a great person to be around. She greeted you with a smile, and was always willing to help out where or when needed. When asked to help anyone with anything, she didn’t know how to say “no”. She was always putting others needs before her own. She was always thoughtful and thinking of everyone; whether it be by sending a birthday card, putting your name on the radio for special events, or never missing a family gathering.
Lisa’s fun and outgoing personality meant she always was in the mood to get together with friends and family. She was willing, and ready, to join in any game being played regardless of what it was. She was usually the first one at the table for any games. During football season Lisa could be found watching football games and checking her fantasy football team. She followed all Hilbert sports teams, and cheered them on.
Lisa was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul. Lisa’s faith was important to her and she was willing to serve and volunteer no matter what was needed at church. It was prevalent in all the church functions she attended or volunteered in, some of those items include: serving on the golf committee, stewardship committee, playing in the bell choir, helping out where needed, and many more. Not only did she volunteer at church she also volunteered throughout the community of Hilbert
Lisa looked forward to fishing, whether it was on the ice or in a boat. She was always up for the challenge. Sturgeon fishing was also a fun sport for her. Lisa loved the outdoors and often visited her parents up north.
Lisa was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Survivors include: her husband, Jim Vanden Elzen; her parents, Roger and Diane Krueger; her children: Luke Vanden Elzen and girlfriend Brittany Smith of Hilbert, Becky (Curt) Plate of Kaukauna, Jami (Jason) Keberlein of Kaukauna, and Brandon Vanden Elzen of Hilbert; grandchildren: Bryce, Taylor, Kylee, Keira, Taylor, Lauren, and Maxwell; sisters: Penny (Mike) Loose of Brillion and Amy (Dean) Schmitz of Chilton; mother-in-law, Theresa Vanden Elzen; sisters-in-law: LouAnn Van Ess and special friend Greg, Mary (Tom) Guns, and Amy (Steve) Miller; and brothers-in-law: Bill (Kay) Vanden Elzen, Jerry (Peggy) Vanden Elzen, Ron Vanden Elzen, and Mike (Aimee) Vanden Elzen. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Orville Vanden Elzen and Sister-in-law, JoAnn Vanden Elzen.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 31, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul with the Rev. Patrick Niles officiating. Burial will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Rantoul. Friends may call at Wieting Family Funeral Home in Chilton (411 W Main St.) from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 30, 2017 and on Friday, March 31, 2017 at church from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
A memorial fund has been established in the name of, Lisa Marie Vanden Elzen.