Elizabeth J. Van Thiel, Little Chute, age 93, died Sunday August 22, 2010 at Appleton Medical Center. She was born February 15, 1917 in Little Chute to the late John J. and Cora Hammen. Elizabeth graduated from St. John High School, Little Chute in 1935 and was employed at the Bank of Little Chute for 27 years until the time of her retirement in 1980. She lived for almost 30 years at the home of her sister, Barbara (Orville) and their children. On November 15, 1980 she married Joseph Van Thiel. They enjoyed seven years together until his death in 1987.

Elizabeth was a life-long member of St. John Catholic Church, a member of the St. Elizabeth Society, the American Legion Auxiliary, the St. John Adult Choir, the St. John Mission club and was a Eucharistic Minister. She enjoyed traveling, bowling, painting, singing, gardening, playing Scrabble and golfing (including the thrill of a hole-in-one). She especially loved the time she spent with her family. During her last few years at St. Paul Villa in Kaukauna, she treasured the many friendships formed there, and enjoyed the opportunity to be one of the beautiful singing voices in the Villa Voices Choir.

Elizabeth is survived by three sisters: Grace Hoffman, Jane Hammen, both of Little Chute and Marian (Harold) Vanden Heuvel, Wauwatosa; one brother: Gordon (Margy) Hammen, Little Chute; sisters-in-law: Betty Hammen, Josephine Hammen, Evelyn Van Thiel and Betty Van Thiel; brother-in-law: Orville Bongers; step-children: MaryJo (William) Blatz, Jay (Sandy) Van Thiel, Steven (Marge) Van Thiel, Charles (Diane) Van Thiel, Patricia (Jeff) Brockman and Leah (Steve Seyler) Van Thiel. She is further survived by 14 step-grandchildren and her many loving nieces and nephews (including her Godchildren: Charles Bongers, David Vandy and Neil Weiland).

Preceding her in death are her parents; her beloved husband Joseph; sister Barbara Bongers; brothers: Roger, Carl and Eugene Hammen; brothers-in-law: Dr. Elmer J. Hoffman, Roman Van Thiel and Theodore Van Thiel.

Visitation will be held Thursday August 26, 2010 beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute). The Rev. James Hablewitz will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

Elizabeth's family would like to thank the staff and residents at St. Paul Villa for the care and kindness extended to her. Also, thank you to the staff at Appleton Medical Center.