Clara J. VanderKelen, 97, died Friday, April 28, 2023, at a local assisted living facility. She was born January 3, 1926, in New Franken to the late Louis and Lena (Schott) Schauer. Clara married Walter VanderKelen on Sept. 4, 1948, at St. Kilian Catholic Church in New Franken. He preceded her in death on January 25, 1969. She was employed as a custodian at UWGB for 14 years until her retirement. She was a member of St. Kilian Church her entire life.
Clara is survived by her four children: Ronald (Diane) VanderKelen; John (Dori) VanderKelen; Kathleen (Glenn) Rentmeester and Karen (Ken) Francois. She is further survived by her grandchildren: Bradley (Angie) VanderKelen, Brian (Melissa) VanderKelen, Janelle VanderKelen, Paul (Laura) VanderKelen, Christine (Dan) Sprotte, Daniel Rentmeester, Adam (Sadie) Francois, Shaun (Courtney) Francois; great grandchildren: Blake and Parker VanderKelen, River and Ryker VanderKelen, Olivia and Ethan Sprotte, Monte Rentmeester, Neo and Analeigha Francois, Nate, Claire and Emma Francois, and sweet baby girl VanderKelen due in July. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Elmira Schauer and Marion Schauer.
She was preceded in death by one sister and brother-in-law; five brothers and two sisters-in-law: Marie (Hubert) Rentmeester, Raymond Schauer, Joseph (Marcelle) Schauer, John (Dorothy) Schauer, Paul Schauer and Cletus Schauer
Friends may call at St. Kilian Catholic Church, 2508 St. Kilian Rd. New Franken, on Wednesday, May 3, from 9:00 -10:45 am. Funeral Mass 11:00 am Wednesday at the church with Fr. Carlo Villaluz officiating. Burial in the church cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to Clara’s family at www.prokowall.com.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dick and Carol VanderLoop who watched over our mom for so many years. Also, a thank you to the staff at Allouez Parkside for their care and compassion during her final days.
Robert J. Walczyk Jr. is serving the family.