- On the eve of Thanksgiving November 21, 2012 Sharon L. Van Handel, 63, of Freedom, Wisconsin passed away after a lengthy battle with Lupus with her family by her side. Sharon was born on July 7, 1949 in Freedom to the late Norbert and Eva Conrad. She was a 1967 graduate of Freedom High School. On August 10, 1968 she married Clarence Van Handel at St. Nicholas Catholic Church.
Together Clarence & Sharon established the family livestock farm and business that the family continues to operate today. Sharon loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved picnics and sleepovers, sitting around the fire pit and enjoying pudgy pies. She also had a contagious laugh and was known for her practical jokes played on her family and friends. She enjoyed camping and time up north at her sister Kathy's cottage where she often took golf cart rides. She also enjoyed Country USA and trips to Laughlin, NV. She was an avid Packer fan and rarely missed a game.
Sharon's treasures were her family, her faith, her farm and her friends. She always had time for them all.
She lovingly held the titles of wife to Clarence, mother to Randall, Little Chute, Jeffrey (special friend Sherry Jansen), Freedom and Larry (Kelly), Freedom, grandmother to Tammi Peeters, Jasmine Van Handel and Jake, Josh and Chloe Van Handel, sister to Kathy (Mel) Brockman, Freedom and Jerry (Sandy) Conrad, Appleton, sister-in-law to Linda Conrad (Dan) Vosters, aunt to nieces and nephews and friend to many. Also survived by Clarence's family Laverne & Floyd Vandenberg (Floyd deceased), Lorraine & Joe Steffens (Joe deceased), Delores & Pat Van De Hey, Florian & Linda Van Handel, Ron & Irene Van Handel, and Joe Van Handel.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Jeffrey Van Handel, Jr., brother Wayne Conrad, Clarence's parents Ed & Blanche Van Handel, brother-in-law Willard Van Handel, niece Tracy and nephew Ricky.
Friends may call at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 County Road S, Freedom, on Tuesday, November 27 from 2:00 - 5:45 pm. Mass of Christian burial will follow with Fr. Dan Felton and Fr. Dave Beaudry concelebrating. Burial in the parish cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.valleyfh.com.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.
A very special thank you to the entire Kathy and Mel Brockman family including Beth Ann, Sarah & Jenny who were like daughters to Sharon. Your love and care will always be remembered. Also, thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Appleton Medical Center, and especially her family doctor, Dr. Brian Scott.
Sharon prayed that God would give her the strength to accept the things she could not change, the courage to change the things she could and the wisdom to know the difference.
Sharon, you will always be the love of my life. Clarence
Mom, we'll always cherish the special memories we have with you. Randy, Jeff, Larry & Kelly
"Remember me with smiles and laughter for that is how I will remember you all.
If you remember me in tears and sadness then don't remember me at all."
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Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on November 25, 2012
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1948 - 2012 (64 years)
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