Arleen “Avie” Van Oss
Arleen “Avie” Van Oss, 94, formerly of Allouez, passed away peacefully in her sleep September 22, 2020 in Tampa, Florida.
Avie was born February 2, 1926, in Wrightstown to Mary (Linskins) and Henry Van Den Bosch. She grew up in Allouez and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy class of 1943. She attended Marquette University where she was Prom Queen in 1945. On October 4,1952, Avie married John “Jack” Van Oss Jr., and together they shared 46 years of marriage until he passed away in 1999.
Avie never missed an opportunity to enjoy life. She was an excellent athlete from a young age. As a young girl, growing up in Allouez, she skated in the winter and played tennis all summer. Eventually, she picked up golf, where she met her husband, Jack, at Shorewood Country Club. Golf became a passion of hers and she continued playing 18 holes every day, all summer, into her mid-eighties. She held numerous club championship titles at both Shorewood Country Club and Mystery Hills Golf Course. She was also a member at Fox Valley Country Club until 2012.
Avie took great joy in spending time with people. She loved having a house full of family and friends and hosted many a festive occasion where laughter and good humor were always the themes. She enjoyed her Ladies Poker Club as well as numerous bridge clubs. Avie taught Bridge for a number of years and earned her Lifemasters by successfully competing in regional and national tournaments. She was also an avid antique collector and enjoyed going to auctions with friends. She was very happy to volunteer with the cataloging and staging of artifacts in preparation for the opening of Heritage Hill State Park.
Avie had many hobbies and interests. She enjoyed traveling with her friends and even grandchildren. She was an excellent seamstress and knitter. In her later years, every day began with the crossword and sudoku puzzles in the morning paper. Most recently her greatest joy was holding and interacting with her new great granddaughters.
Avie had a zest for life and enjoyed it to the fullest. She often said, “every day is a good day!” and there was no doubt that she really meant it. Her upbeat personality and always positive spirit has been an inspiration and will be deeply missed by all of her loved ones.
Avie will be sadly missed by her children and their spouses, John Van Oss, III, Green Bay; Henry and Ann Van Oss, Kailua, HI; Tracy and Mo Malafa, Tampa FL. Her beloved grandchildren include, Angela Van Oss, Milwaukee; Vanna Van Oss, Austin TX; Rae (David) Hernandez, Flagstaff,AZ; Menyoli (Jacqueline) Malafa, Los Angeles, CA; Nalowa Malafa, Van (Mira) Malafa, Emily (Femi) John, Tampa, FL. Her adored great grandchildren, Evelyn John, Ava Malafa and Javier Hernandez. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Van Oss and many nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and husband, Jack, she is preceded in death by her son, Michael; her sister and brother-in-law, Laverne and Richard LeFebvre; her in-laws, Robert “Red” and Kathleen Van Oss, Ralph Van Oss, and Jeanne Wright.
With the health and safety of everyone in mind the family will postpone the Celebration of Avie’s Life until sometime next year. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Avie’s memory be sent to Paul’s Food Pantry at 1513 Leo Frigo Way Green Bay WI 54302.