Rita Van Straten

Rita Van Straten, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10th, 2015, at St. Vincent Hospital. Rita was born on October 24th, 1923 in De Pere, to the late Herbert and Elizabeth (Gerrits) Hendricks. She was the fourth of seven children. At the age of 21, she married Roland Bullion. While Rita was pregnant with her first born, Linda, Roland was killed in action during World War II, in 1945. On Tuesday, June 10th, 1947, Rita married Lawrence “Van” Van Straten. Her mother said they couldn’t marry on Monday because it was wash day. He raised Linda as his own and they continued to have four more children. They just celebrated 68 happy years of marriage. Rita worked at Sheffords Cheese in Green Bay during World War II and continued to meet with those friends for lunch for many years after. Her life revolved around her family. As a homemaker, Rita always had a homemade meal and dessert ready. Her family traditionally celebrated Christmas Eve together with games and white elephant prizes. Visitors were always welcomed with a big smile. Rita and Van liked to travel. Their trips included Vegas, Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, and numerous casinos. She also liked to volunteer at the De Pere Christian Outreach. Some other things that Rita enjoyed in her life were bowling, rhubarb jam, and Kroll’s hamburgers. Survivors include her husband, Van, her children: Linda Metzler (special friend Tom Knaus); Bruce (Mary “George”) Van Straten, Faye (Steve) Rose, Lisa (Ken) Waller, Julie (Chris) Paulsen, grandchildren: Kim (Mike) Server, Kevin (Dawn) Metzler, Jamie (Dileny) Metzler, Alexa and Makenna Waller, Devon and Danielle Paulsen; four great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren; brothers and sister: Mark Hendricks, Leo (Kathy) Hendricks, Betty Drewiske (special friend Paul Heney); many nieces and nephews. In addition to her first husband, Roland, she was preceded in death by her sibilings and spouses: Florence and Bud Cullen, Carl “Jeff” and Angie Hendricks, Ruth Hendricks, Frank and Carole Hendricks, Roger Drewiske; niece, Jackie Cullen; in-laws: Ed and Emma Van Straten, Verna Mandli, Don Van Straten, Adrian Manders, Sr. Loyola Van Straten, Eunice Van Straten. Friends and family may visit St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Road, Ledgeview, on Tuesday, July 14th, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. The Funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank St. Vincent Hospital, 9th floor staff, and Unity Hospice for the kindness and care shown to Mom at this difficult time

Visitation:
Tuesday, July 14, 2015 9:00 AM

Service:
Tuesday, July 14, 2015 11:00 AM