Rita M. Van Laanen

Mrs. Rita Mary Van Laanen, age 93, of De Pere, passed away August 12, 2025. She was born August 13, 1931, a daughter of the late Joseph and Pearl (Dorsey) Linsmier.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband, Francis J Van Laanen III; her siblings, Nabby (Lola), Harold (Geneva), Helen (Joe) Lenss, Doris (Jim) Manders.

Rita is survived by her children, daughter Vici, son Paul (Dawn) and their children: Terrah, Heather, Trevor (Nicci) and their son Vance, daughter Lisa (Terry), and daughter Elizabeth and her children: Maxwell, Madeline, Nicola. She also leaves many close family members (Growt’s, Manders’, Lenss’, and Linsmier’s) and friends who will sadly miss her.

Rita was a devout Catholic, integrating her faith into her daily living and attending mass weekly at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in De Pere. She was also an exceptionally good seamstress, following in her mother’s footsteps – sewing her children’s clothes, quilts, curtains, and more. She was also known to be an abundant food giver, making wonderful soups and her renowned Chili to be shared with all. And she enjoyed being active in her community, volunteering over the years with Meals on Wheels, Abbey Belles Garden Club, Green Bay Service League, The Weidner, Meyer Theater, and St Norbert’s Theater.

Her greatest joys came from spending time with her family and friends – with decades of holiday gatherings on Ridgeway, Washington, and Randall, and seasons filled with golf, bridge, travel, and playful times with her grand and great grandchildren. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and filled our world with laughter.

Rita was our sounding board, the ground we stood on, our guiding light. We were blessed to have her at our helm.

Visitation will begin at 10:00am, Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier catholic church, 220 S. Michigan St, De Pere, a Memorial Mass will follow at 11am, at the church. Fr. Jason Blahnik officiating.

A heartfelt thank you to the team at Rennes and Unity Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Unity Hospice of De Pere, Northwoods Animal Shelter (Iron River, MI), and De Pere Historical Society.