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- March 22, 2009
Van Handel, Judith Ann
Judy Van Handel, 62, peacefully went to meet her Lord on Thursday, March 19, 2009, surrounded by her immediate family. Judy was born on July 30, 1946, in rural Appleton, daughter of the late Joseph A. and Harriet (Hietpas) Van Handel.
Judy was diagnosed with polio on July 29, 1955. Though handicapped and respiratory impaired, she spent the rest of her life showing all those with whom she came in contact how to live life to the fullest.
Judy's loves in life were her family, especially the children, her parish community and the gifts of God's beautiful nature. Her flower beds were her pride and joy.
Judy loved music and enjoyed singing with the Spirit Singers Choir at St. Bernard Parish where she was a long time member and volunteer coordinator. She especially enjoyed coordinating Vacation Bible School each summer and was a religious education teacher for the second grade program for many years.
Judy was also a long time member of the Disability Awareness Group in the area and enjoyed doing presentations for them in the area schools and for other organizations.
Survivors include her brothers and sisters: Bob (Millie) Van Handel, Keshena, Jerome (Phyllis) Van Handel, Neenah, Glenn (Mary) Van Handel, Shiocton, Leone (Bill) Benner, Appleton, Sr. Jolene Van Handel O.P., Detroit, and Bev (Jerry) Gartzke, Menasha; and Judy's special friend Donald Torgerson, Pearson.
Judy is further survived by her nieces and nephews: Lynn Van Handel (Jeff Van DynHoven), and sons Matthew Wilson and Josh Wilson and his daughter Madison; Ginger (Gary) Kerkoff; Julie Van Handel and friend Mark; Laurie (Bob) Wolff and their daughter Lindsey; Robert (Lori) Van Handel and their daughter McKayla; Terry (Marlene) Gerrits; Paula (Steve) Weyers and their children Brooke Weyers and Bryan (Kelly) Nagorny and their son Hayden; Colleen (Richard) Pouquette and children Sarah and Rick (Bobbie) and their children Ryker and Rylee; Jolene (Mark) Waldburger and sons Tim and Derek; Mark Gerrits; Kristine Van Handel; Lisa Van Handel; Todd Van Handel and special friend Patti; Andy Van Handel and special friend Tricia; Jessica (Clinton) DeForrest and son Hayden; Shawn Gartzke; Jenny (Jayce) Commo and son Will; Chad (Chris) Gartzke and daughters Emily and Rachel; Jeff Gartzke and special friend Carrie; Scot (Char) Van Handel and sons Wyatt, Garret and Marshall; Jamie (Kelby) Kriewaldt and children Kyle, Greg, Mattison, Kennedy and Olivia; Joe (Lisa) Van Handel; Michelle Van Handel; Stephanie Van Handel and fiance Spencer Imhoff; and Ryan Van Handel.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 6:30 pm Wednesday, March 25, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 Pine St., Appleton, with the Rev. Dennis Ryan officiating. Friends may call directly at the church on Wednesday from 2 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Judy's long term care providers Elaine, Yvonne, Becky and Julie and to the doctors and the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, especially the ICU nursing staff who cared for Judy so lovingly during her stay.
God saw you getting tired. When a cure was not to be, He closed His arms around you and whispered, "Come to Me". In tears we saw you sinking. We watched you fade away. Our hearts were almost broken you fought so hard to stay. But when we saw you sleeping so peacefully free from pain, we could not wish you back to suffer so again. So keep your arms around her Lord, and give her special care. Make up for all she suffered and all that seemed unfair.
Brettschneider-
Trettin-Lederer
606 N. Oneida St.
Appleton 920-733-7383
www.btlfuneral.com
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1946 - 2009 (62 years)
, d. 06 Dec 2000, Greenville, Outagamie Co, Wisconsin 