Vanbeek, Evelyn

Other Events:

• Obituary: 20 Aug 2009; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Evelyn Van Beek, 99, Neenah, died Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at her home. She was born March 6, 1910, in Green Bay, daughter of the late Joseph and Frances (Borofka) Van Beek. She attended St. Willibroad's grade school and graduated from East High School in Green Bay. She attended Oshkosh State Teachers College and graduated with a 2 year Elementary education course in 1930, Evelyn then began her 4th grade teaching at Roosevelt School in Neenah. While teaching she continued classes at Oshkosh State Teachers College, where she received her bachelor's degree in education. Also, while teaching she received a Master's degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in Elementary School Education and Administration. While teaching 4th grade she became principal of 2 schools in Neenah. She was the first principal at the new Wilson Grade School where she was both a teacher and principal for at least 25 years. For many years she was the director of the summer playgrounds in Neenah. She retired in 1975. Everyone was worried that she would get bored. However, she got very busy volunteering at Theda Clark Hospital and she was active at St. Margaret Mary's church and their bible studies. She and her roommate Dorothy Keune attended many Milwaukee Braves and Milwaukee Brewers games. She loved watching the Green Bay Packers games. She loved watching Bart Starr and Brett Favre play. Evelyn never drove a car until she was 50 years old. She did go on many trips with Dorothy Keune and their friends. She especially enjoyed going to see the apple blossoms out east during spring break. She loved nature, especially birds. In later life she still drove to Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Sheboygan. She quit driving at the age of 95 when she moved into the VNA.
She also liked playing Bridge, Kings Corners and Dominos and Rumikub. She was a wiz at crossword puzzles. At the VNA she was very active in attending the different church services especially the rosary which she loved. She also eagerly waited for Bingo 2 nights a week and the Price is Right. She enjoyed all the evening concerts in the park and at the VNA she was known for her big smile and positive attitude. Everywhere she went people said Hi Evie. She spent lots of time in Sheboygan visiting her niece Jeane Begotka Neels and her children, Dr. Jennifer Neels (Dr. Allen) Hayman and baby Grason Evelyn Neels, and Jason Neels (fiancee Lisa Bakich).
Evelyn is survived by two sisters and a brother. They are Rita Vandenbush and Lucille Begotka and her brother Earl Van Beek.
She was preceded in death by her two brothers: Dick and Albert Van Beek and her sisters: Mildred Knaus and Margaret Van Beek.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2009, at St. Margaret Mary Church, 620 Division Street, Neenah, with Fr. Michael L. Ingold officiating. Entombment will be in the Allouez Catholic Cemetery, Green Bay. Friends may call at the Kessler Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and at the church from 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of the mass. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established for St. Margaret Mary Church and the Valley VNA Senior Services.
Evelyn will be sadly missed by many people but we need to celebrate the christian life of this wonderful teacher, principal, relative and friend.
Kessler Funeral Home
& Cremation Services
Neenah 920 722 6464
www.kesslerfh.com