Elizabeth Van Straten
Elizabeth “Liz” R. (Chambers) Van Straten, 87, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, in her home with her loving daughter by her side.
Liz was born on November 27, 1933 in Oneida, Wisconsin to Thomas and Anna Chambers. The sixth of seven children, she grew up in a two room home on a large farm. She knew from a young age the importance of family, hard work, and perseverance. After graduating from West High School in 1952, Liz began working at a local cheese factory where she met the love of her life, Don.
Liz and Don married on June 5, 1954 at St. Joseph Church in Oneida. They spent many loving years together until his passing in 1986.
The couple was blessed with three children: Donn, Mike, and Kathy. Liz was a very loving and wonderful mom, putting up with the antics and adventures of her children while keeping a spotless home. Though she always worked outside the home, her most beloved title was “Mom.”
Liz worked at Little Rapids Corporation for 30 years, retiring in 1999. After her retirement, she became a stay at home great grandmother, caring for many of her great grandchildren.
Liz enjoyed waking up early every morning and having her pot of black coffee. She loved being in her rose garden, watching the birds and people passing by. She loved spending time with her pets and watching the show “Impractical Jokers.” She was feisty, funny, generous, and supportive. She loved her family fiercely and had a heart of gold.
Liz’s true passion in life was her love for her close-knit family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her many years of joy and happiness. She was lovingly known to her great grandchildren as “Little Grandma.”
Liz is survived by her son, Mike, and daughter, Kathy (Jim) Kenner; her grandchildren, Megan (Adam) Van Wychen and their children Ava and Brielle; Nikki (Adam) Chouinard and their children Sam and Charlie; Ashley (Michael) Callaway and their children Donovan and Declan; Spencer (Cassie) Van Straten; Beth Van Straten and her children Annabelle and Hayden. She is further survived by her sister, Barbara (Robert) Holschuh; sisters-in-law, Janet Van Straten and Janet (Len) Dessell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Liz was preceded in death by her husband Don, her son Donn, and her eldest grandson Ben. She joins her siblings Margaret, Aggie (Roger), Tom, Tony, Dorothy (Len), as well as Don’s siblings Clarence (Dorothy), and Clyde in heaven.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, a private service will be held at St. Philip the Apostle Church. Entombment will take place at the Allouez Catholic Mausoleum. Proko-Wall Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in her name to further donate to local charities.
The family would like to thank Stephanie and the staff at Aurora at Home and Hospice. We would especially like to thank Leah, for her comfort and care given to Liz and her family. Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude. We would further like to thank Dr. Leah Nitke and her staff at Aurora for the years of care they provided for Liz.
Liz’s wish was to live her final year at home. This was made possible by the dedication, love, and care provided by her daughter and best friend, Kathy.
“Mom, I just want to tell you how grateful I am and how blessed I feel to have had you as my mom. This isn’t goodbye but a “see you later.” “
-Kathy Kenner