Joanne Ruth (Arcand) Verheyen

Joanne Ruth (Arcand) Verheyen, 81, Allouez, passed away peacefully into God’s arms on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at her home that her husband, Clifford, built himself…she now joins him in Heaven. They were married May 8th, 1954. Joanne was born June 25, 1932 to Arlene and Archie Arcand. She attended Annunciation Church and School, and graduated from West High School in 1951 and from Theda Clark Nursing School as an LPN. She worked at the old St. Mary’s and Bellin Hospitals. Her four children and seven grandchildren were her pride and joy. She took her children and their friends on picnics, to Bay Beach, the Wildlife Sanctuary, Milwaukee Zoo, Wisconsin Dells and many other places. When the grandchildren were born, she babysat and taught them about love and life. Joanne enjoyed the Packers, Bridge Club, time with her friends, cooking and traveling with her good friends, John and Mary Dollar and Jim and Joan Calmes. She was known for her humor, quick wit, and playing jokes on others. Most importantly, she will be remembered for her kindness, honesty, integrity and her appreciation for the simple things that life had to offer. She has touched the lives of so many. She will be deeply missed by her children, spouses and brother: Victoria and Carl Van Dera, Green Bay; Richard and Susie Ulmen Verheyen, Denmark; Teresa and Joe Zepnick, Pulaski; Julie and Jim Van Ess, Pulaski; her loving brother, Dick Arcand, Green Bay; and grandchildren: Kristina Barr, Benjamin, Nicole and Emilie Verheyen, Tresza Zepnick, Jessica and Jacob Van Ess. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford; her infant daughter, Kathy; her parents, Arlene and Archie Arcand; sister, Mary Ann (Arcand) Kobriger; brother-in-law, Tom Kobriger; sister-in-law, Virginia Arcand; mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Carrie Verheyen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Elmer Verheyen, Alvin Verheyen, John Verheyen, Jr., Evelyn Geurts, Judy Devroy, Raymond Verheyen, Harold Verheyen, Clatyon Verheyen, Juleen Scray, Lillian Verheyen, Bud Geurts, Will Lhost, Patricia Verheyen, Carl Gardipee and Bernard Scray. Family and friends may call Monday, September 2, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, where there will be a Parish Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthew’s St., Allouez. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at church, with Fr. Philip Dinh-Van-Thiep officiating. Entombment will be in Allouez Mausoleum. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in her name. The family would like to extend a warm thank you to Cliff and Joanne’s daughter and friend, Vicki Van Dera and to their son-in-law and friend, Carl Van Dera, who diligently cared for and provided much comfort to Joanne for 3 years. They moved in with her to do her caretaking. We would also like to thank Kristina and Tim Barr, Christina Maloney, Margaret Murphy, Johanna Lindenbeck, other friends, and Eddie (family dog) for helping Joanne out. Also to Woodside Rehab, the doctors and nurses on 7th floor that helped her at St. Vincent Hospital and to the wonderful staff at Unity Hospice for their kindness and compassion. Daughter Vicki writes: Joanne wasn’t just my Mom; she was a very special friend to me, we took small weekend vacations with Mary Dollar and had such great times. She stuck with me through thick and thin. She helped raise my daughter, Kristy, taking her to the parks, singing to her and raised her to be a beautiful young lady. Taught me to do my best, to enjoy life she always said; hang onto happy times; we had so many. I feel so blessed to have known her. I will cherish her forever. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. We will miss you, Mom, but you will always be with us forever and a day.

Reception:
The Rite Place
1580 Bellevue Road
Green Bay, WI 54311