Obituary: Mary Jane Van Daalwyk

Mary Jane Van Daalwyk, age 90, of Chilton, died on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Aspire Assisted Living in Kimberly.  She ws born November 15, 1934 in Appleton, daughter of the late Clem & Dorothy (Nettekoven) Wieseckel. 

Early in her life, Mary Jane worked in the office of Badger Printing until she married the love of her life, Eugene Van Daalwyk on May 29, 1954 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sherwood.  From that time forward, the couple farmed together until their retirement in 1988 when their son, Bob, began operating the farm.  With a propensity to not sit still, Mary Jane began working at the Chilton Care Center as a dietary aid.

She was a long time member of St. John Sacred Heart Catholic Church in St. John where she was also deeply involved with the Christian Women, having served as Chairwoman, and sang in the adult choir.  

Outside of her beloved church, Mary Jane was a member of the Friendly Neighbors Homemaker Organization for over 50 years and was actively involved with the Calumet County Farm Bureau Ladies Group.  With her life on a dairy farm, Mary Jane also volunteered countless hours with the Calumet County Dairy Promotion Committee.  

In younger years, Mary Jane would often be found biking the Sherwood and High Cliff area with her dear friend, Jenny Olson, and in her free time, and with the assistance of her children, she raised a plethora of beautiful flowers and an abundance of vegetables in her well manicured garden.  She also looked forward to family gatherings where she was able to make a delicious home cooked meal for everyone, or sit with her St. John buddies playing a good round of Sheepshead.  Mary Jane would often quiet her mind on her lawn mower tending to her yard and found small moments of joy scratching off a lottery ticket.  Above all else beyond her cherished faith, Mary Jane loved time spent with her family, especially attending her grandchildren’s events like plays and concerts.  

Survivors include her children: Cindy (Chuck) Ott, Jean (Jim) Schaefer, Debbie (Tom) Porter, Lynn (Mike) Fox and Bob (Brenda) Van Daalwyk; 11 grandchildren: Doug (Becky) Ott, Melanie Schaefer and her special friend, Michael, Mark (Jennifer) Schaefer, Mitchell (Amanda) Schaefer, Lance (Carmen) Busse, Grant Busse, Neil (Andrea) Busse, Austin Gates, Brett Van Daalwyk and his fiancée Diana, Anna Van Daalwyk and her special friend, Mitchell, Blake Van Daalwyk and his special friend Ellie; 9 great grandchildren: Jenna Ott, Allison Schaefer, Clay Schaefer, Levi Schaefer, Weston Busse, Carson Busse, Bennett Busse, Willow Busse and Mason Busse; and several step grandchildren.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Eugene; a daughter-in-law: Paula Van Daalwyk, a grandchild: Ryan Ott; her siblings: Eugene (Agnes) Wieseckel, Clarence (Winnie) Wieseckel, Lawrence (Mardella) Wieseckel; and her siblings-in-law: Mary Jane (Bob) Phillips, James (Cecilia) Van Daalwyk, Elaine Popp, & Shirley (Max) Van Grinsven.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at St. John Sacred Heart Catholic Church in St. John with Rev. Michael Betley officiating.  Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Saturday, August 17, 2024.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available at wietingfuneralhome.com for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video, or see picture of the flowers and gifts given to the family.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials given in the name of Mary Jane Van Daalwyk are greatly appreciated for the St. John Sacred Heart Catholic School.