Irene H. Van Deraa, age 94, of Kimberly, died Monday, February 5, 2024, in Kaukauna. She was born on February 3, 1930, to the late Theodore "Ted" and Minnie Hietpas Kemps. Irene married Harvey Van Deraa on November 21, 1950, at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Kimberly. They enjoyed 71 years together before Harvey's death in 2021. Along with working in the office for LBJ Distributors, Irene spent time volunteering at Holy Name, as well as Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed trips to the casino, taking walks when she could as well as eating out with friends, relatives or anyone who asked her out. She will be remembered for making the best apple pies, spending much of her time in the kitchen baking, cooking, cleaning and making preparations for the family. But above all, Irene cherished her family and her time spent with them.

Irene is survived by her children: Michael (Mary) Van Deraa, of De Pere, WI; James (Susan) Van Deraa, of Cape Coral, FL; Joseph (Barbara) Van Deraa, of Kimberly, WI; Mary (Nick) Heimmermann, of Wabeno, WI; Jeffrey Van Deraa, of Indiana; and Kevin Van Deraa, of Kimberly, WI; her 9 grandchildren; as well as her 15 great grandchildren, with excitement of the arrival of a little girl, making 16. Irene is further survived by her siblings: Marlene Green, and Judy (Don) Shaw; and her siblings-in-law: Lawrence Van Deraa, Ronald (Beth) Van Deraa, Geraldine Welch, and Kathleen Van Deraa; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; her siblings: Ernest (Terese) Kemps, LaVerne (Gerald) Vander Loop, Lucille (Marvin) Kempen; and her siblings-in-law: Ruth Van Deraa, Charles Green, Angeline (Ralph) Vanevenhoven, Marvin Van Deraa, Eleanor (Richard) Walker, and Gerald Van Deraa.

Visitation for Irene will be held February 16, 2024, at HOLY SPIRIT PARISH – KIMBERLY CHURCH (600 E. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen officiating.  Committal Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery. To sign the guestbook, please visit oconnellfh.com.

Thank you to Mom's sister Judy, whose weekly hair and skin care kept Mom beautiful. Your faithfulness immensely bolstered her spirit and mood.  Irene's family would like to thank the staff at the Landings for the kind care she received, especially Jazimen Loomis who gave special care to her on so many occasions.  They would also like to thank Dr. Steve Dernlan and PCA staff. Their tireless work in Mom's behalf allowed us to enjoy several years of bonus time with her.  Also special thanks to Moments Hospice, especially Nikki RN, amazing Deziree, Erin (music), and caring team for making Mom's last year so special. From country music therapy to massages and pet therapy to Spiritual visits, she enjoyed every moment.