Sophia Meulemans

Sophia (Dolly) Meulemans, 82, of Wrightstown, passed away peacefully May 11, 2023. Dolly was born on July 1, 1940, the daughter of Anton and Sophia Nelessen. As the youngest of 13 Nelessen children, Dolly always held a special place in her family and was given the unique honor of being named after her mother.

On August 11, 1959, Dolly married the love of her life, Dale Meulemans, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Wrightstown. The devoted couple would eventually share 60 years together before Dale passed away in 2020. After the wedding, Dolly worked for a year at Thilmany, when she then became a dedicated mother to six children. She and Dale owned a hobby farm outside of Wrightstown and created a home full of family, music, and faith. Dolly always saw being a mother as the most rewarding part of her life.

She had many talents through the years that spanned from coaching summer softball, sewing, writing poems, to being the loudest cheerleader in the stands. Dolly cheered for her children and then her grandchildren every chance she could get, with dedication that never wavered.

Dolly also enjoyed driving her ATV on rides around the farm and on the trails up north with Dad and the family. As the years passed, they decided they wanted to ride together, so they got a UTV that provided them with countless adventures and lasting memories.

Spending family time together was always a priority for Dolly; there were many horse and wagon rides around open cornfields, campfire evenings were filled with laughter and songs--and of course, accordion music. Mom was always up for a good game of cards--whether it was sheepshead, "smear", rummy or solitaire.

In addition to mom's love for her family, was her love for music. Music was mom’s passion and she found a way to include it in every part of her life. From learning to play the accordion to entertain family and friends, to directing the St. Paul’s Bell Choir, Dolly used music to connect with everyone around her. Members of St. Paul's Church will especially remember Dolly's 43 years of service as director of a special group of ladies called the Martha Choir. Together they brought beautiful music and joy to St. Paul Parish.

Above all, faith was always at the center of Dolly's life. Anyone who spent time with her couldn't help but see her devotion to her Christian beliefs: she studied her bible daily, taught bible classes, planned family prayer services, served as a communion distributor, and was a member of the Christian Mother’s Society. Our mother was a great inspiration to everyone around her because she taught us to keep the Lord close and take life “One Day at a Time.”

Dolly is survived by her 6 children: Laurie (Dave) Eiting, Julie (Craig) Fickel, Paula (Jerry) Renon, Amy (Brian) Van Schyndel, Jesse (Angela) Meulemans, and Bruce (Jenny) Meulemans.

17 grandchildren including: Dale (Heather) Eiting, Heather (Aren) Greiner; Tanner (fiancé Kelli), Jordan (Lydia), and Justin (Alyssa) Fickel; Tyler (Alicia), Ryan (Leah), Darrin (fiancé Serena), and Mitchell Renon; Brandi (Zach) Rutter, Dawndy (Mark) Howe, Cole (fiancé Kanyon), and Paige Van Schyndel; Hayden, Gabriel, Madelyn, and Meghan Meulemans.

7 great grandchildren: Adrian Greiner, Vinny Fickel, Kaylee and Dominic Renon, Braxton Rutter, Carson Young, and Bryce Howe.

She is further survived by her sister Helen Diedrick, and sisters-in-law: Rita Nelessen, Nancy Titel, Sandy (Lloyd) Gehring, Sherry (Ron) Demske, and Linn Meulemans as well as many other nieces, nephews, and relatives of the Nelessen and Meulemans families.

Dolly was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, her parents, two great grandchildren Makaya Greiner and Emmett Fickel. Her brothers: Norb, Urban, Clarence, Eugene, Bob, and Jim Nelessen. Her sisters: Ruth Vande Hey, Marie Vosters, Milly Newhouse, Eunice Vosters, Dolores Van Camp, and many other members of the Nelessen and Meulemans families.

Dear Mom, We were so blessed to have you as our mother. You were such an inspiration to all of us with your love, support, and advice. You will be missed dearly, but we know that you and dad are reunited again, and the heavenly choir of angels are singing gloriously under your direction.

Family and friends may visit at St. Clare Catholic Parish-St. Paul Site in Wrightstown, on Wednesday, May 17, from 9-11am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am with Fr. Brian Wideman officiating. Private family entombment will follow at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.

The Meulemans family would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Heartland Hospice Team. Thank you for taking such great care of our mom. Christina, Rachelle, Traci, Erin, Jess, Chaplain William, and Holly - You are all God’s angels and will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Ruth Boyea and Alicia Renon who have been exceptional caregivers to mom for the past three years.

Remember the best times, the laughter, and the song;

I lived a good life when I was strong.

I’m counting on you to continue my heritage.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest;

Remember everything, I was truly blessed.

Until the day comes and we’re together again…

Love you all and God Bless,

Mom