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- February 21, 2006
Hanegraaf, Donna C. Donna C. Hanegraaf, age 76, passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 19, 2006, at St. Paul Home, Kaukauna with family by her side. Donna was born in Little Chute, Wisconsin, on December 10, 1929, daughter of the late Willard and Mildred (Kobussen) Van Handel. She married Greg Hanegraaf on August 16, 1951. Donna had a passion for life. After graduating from St. Agnes School of Nursing in Fond du Lac, she embarked on a career as a registered nurse. First working in Colorado Springs and then as an Obstetrics and Gynecology Nurse at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Appleton. After taking time off to raise her children, she helped manage Hillcrest Meats and Catering with her husband Greg. She was a vibrant lady with an infectious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor, even to the end. She was of the opinion that one should be totally used up at the end of life, for life is to be lived to its fullest. She truly lived this motto. Donna had an enthusiasm for history, reading and the Green Bay Packers. She loved to travel the country and Europe. She enjoyed movies, the performing arts, playing bridge, cribbage, bowling and golf. She cherished her family and her relationships with friends, especially her nursing school buddies and children of all ages. Donna acted on her convictions in her community, volunteering for the Appleton Police Department Victim Crisis Response program and recently campaigning in support of a presidential candidate. Besides her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her sister Mary Ann Van Handel, her husband Greg Hanegraaf, and her brother-in-law Lloyd Vanden Heuvel. She is survived by her four children: Michael (Tracy) Hanegraaf of Dallastown, PA; Paul (Cindy) Hanegraaf of London, England; Phil (Sue) Hanegraaf of Aurora, IL; and Jill (Bill) Hanegraaf-Staffeld of Neenah, WI; by her sisters: Jane Vanden Heuvel and Elaine (Duane) Hennes; and by eight wonderful grandchildren: Shawn, Matthew (Kara), Andrew, Dana Clair, Kathryn, Eric, Anneke and Stefan. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2006, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Combined Locks, with Rev. Jim Lucas officiating. Friends may call at the Verkuilen Funeral Home Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. and again at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the mass. There will also be a prayer service Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to create a children's room in the Kimberly Public Library and expand the children's book collection, including bilingual Spanish/English books. Memorial donations may be sent to Jill Hanegraaf-Staffeld, 2409 Brantwood Drive, Neenah, WI 54956. Donna's family would like to extend their sincere thanks for the care and support that both Donna and family received from the skilled staffs at Appleton Medical Center, St. Paul Elder Service and ThedaCare Hospice. They brought great comfort to Donna in the last two months of her life. VERKUILEN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES Little Chute 920-788-3321
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