- On Wednesday, December 26th, 2007, Clarence H. Bongers, age 93, entered into eternal life with Jesus while being held in the loving arms of his daughter Patti at Cherry Meadows Hospice. He was born in Little Chute on November 17, 1914, to the late Martin and Antoinette (Van Domelen) Bongers and was a lifelong resident of Little Chute. Clarence married the love of his life, Marie D. Van Thiel on June 20, 1939, at St. Nicholas, Freedom. She preceded him in death on January 4, 2001, after 62 years of marriage. Their marriage, values, and religious beliefs were loving examples for their children and grandchildren. Watching daily mass and rosary along with a devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet, was an important part of his day. He truly loved the Lord and passed his devotion to God on to his family.
After 42 years of service at Combined Locks Paper Mill as Assistant Paper Machine Superintendent, Clarence retired to enjoy his family. Hunting, fishing and woodworking were his favorite pastimes along with spending time with his family in his workshop. His specialty was bird houses. He was still making wren houses on December 8th for his children's Christmas gifts. A favorite card game was playing 500 Rummy, placing a lucky dollar on the game. Clarence especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends at Pickerel Lake. From a hotshot horseshoe player, to fishing for the big one, to shop projects and playing with the young ones, he had a knack for putting smiles on the kids and grandkids faces, making everyone feel special in a unique way.
Clarence is survived by his children: Grace (Gene) Vander Velden, Kimberly; Claire (Tom) Verhagen, Town of Center; Tom (Mary), Hortonville; Cindy (Greg) Mathe, Oshkosh; and Patti (Lloyd) DeGroot, Kaukauna; 17 grandchildren: Sherry (Karen) Vander Velden, Barb (Tom) Van Asten, Tim (Amy) Verhagen, Connie (Bill) Wittmann, T. Martin (Trish) Bongers, Michael (Rock) Bongers, Amy (Andy) Gaerthofner, Nic (Jenny) Bongers, Ben (Colleen) Steller, Eric (Cindi) Mathe, Brenda (Matt) Schertz, Katie Mathe, Jillian (Adam) Schuh, Allison (Kurtis), Caitlin, Andrew and Jacob DeGroot; 15 great grandchildren: Carissa, Kelsie, Kayla and Carlie Van Asten, Melissa (Chad) Gerrit, Krystine Verhagen, Scott, Claire and Jordan Wittmann, Tara (Alvinn) and Holly Carew, Autumn and Laci Bongers and Drew Gaerthofner; one great great grandchild: Lilyana Curiel-Carew; sister and brother: Verona Olson and Robert Bongers; sisters-in-law: Anna Stoffel, Claire Wolfinger, Theresa Kelly, Therese Bongers and Frances Van Thiel.
In addition to his wife, Clarence was preceded in death by three children: Mary Jane, Dave and an infant son; infant great grandson Eli; great great granddaughter: Natalie; brothers and sisters: Ed (Laverne) Bongers, Ethel (Harry) Van Nuland, Richard (Marie A.) Bongers, Ray Bongers, Rosemary Bongers and Rosie (Bud) Apitz; sisters and brothers-in-law: Alice (Lawrence) Gonnering, Delia (Merlin) Procknow, John Van Thiel, Joe Stoffel, Ed (Jo Ann) Van Thiel, Elmer Wolfinger, Don Olson and Dale Kelly.
Visitation will begin Saturday, December 29, 2007, at 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at Noon at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute). The Rev. David J. Funk, OFM, Cap. will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery, Little Chute.
The family would like to give special appreciation to the staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice and AMC for their loving care of Clarence and the great concern and caring for the family.
O'CONNELL FUNERAL SERVICES
2020 E. Main Street
Little Chute
920-759-2951
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1914 - 2007 (93 years)
Obituary
