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 | Marion L. (Thiel) Van Berkel
February 27, 1954 ~ June 13, 2023 (age 69)
Marion Louise (Thiel) Van Berkel, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and teacher, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Marion, born on February 27, 1954, in Sherwood, Wisconsin, was the daughter of Carmen and Al Thiel. She was preceded in death by her mother, Carmen; father, Al; step-father, Bob Biese; sister-in-law, Linda Van Berkel, and many aunts and uncles.
Marion's early years were filled with many wonderful memories, including helping at the family-run Thiel Cheese factory. She attended St. Mary's High School and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, with a degree in education.
In 1976, Marion embarked on her teaching career at St. John's grade school in St. John. For four decades, Marion's unwavering love for her students left an indelible mark on the lives of countless young minds. Throughout her career, Marion impacted the lives of students at numerous schools and found her home at St. Mary’s in Hilbert.
Marion's warm and compassionate nature touched the lives of all who knew her. Marion could always be found with a Coke (only from a glass bottle, of course) and a smile. It was never too early for Marion to start Christmas shopping and she loved decorating for each season. We will forever miss her kind heart, her sweet nature, and her infectious laugh.
Marion found immense joy in spending “precious moments” with her family. She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Dan, and their partnership was a true testament to the power of love and unwavering support. Marion's greatest pride and joy were her children, Kristin Van Berkel, Jill (Greg) Kehring, and Amy (Bob) Beckmann, who she loved unconditionally and guided with wisdom and grace. Marion is also survived by her four grandchildren, who lit up her later years: Emily, Jimmy, Lucy, and Teddy.
Marion is survived by her loving sisters Sharon (Bob) Brenner and Alice (Bob) Guevara; step-siblings Robert (Karen) Biese Jr., Pat (Jon) Schiffert, Betty Ropchak, and Dick (Patty) Biese; brothers and sisters-in-law Paul Van Berkel, Joe (Lyn) Van Berkel, Tom (Mary) Van Berkel, Bill (Lynn) Van Berkel, and Doug (Judy) Van Berkel. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.
Marion had a heart of gold and a very gentle spirit. She never spoke ill of anyone and never complained, even through suffering with Parkinson’s for twenty years. To know Marion was to know love. She made Dan strive to be the best husband and father he could, and was the sunshine of his life. The Van Berkel family would like to thank all of those who stood by their side and offered their skills and love to make Marion’s journey lighter. We would also like to thank the staff at Cherry Meadows for their kindness and compassion during the past few days, as well as Kristine Twomey from The Neuroscience Group, for her care and support throughout the years.
A Funeral Mass to honor Marion's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church (410 Wallace St., Combined Locks). Friends will be received on Friday, June 16 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Kaukauna’s Verkuilen – Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home (2401 Fieldcrest Dr.) and again at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and celebrate the remarkable life of Marion Louise (Thiel) Van Berkel.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in her honor. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those she touched. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing to us all. |
1954 - 2023 (69 years)