Jane Mary Hammen, Kaukauna, formerly of Little Chute, age 84, passed away quietly Wednesday, May 4th, with her loving family by her side. Born in Little Chute July 30, 1931 to the late John J. and Cora Hammen, Jane, and her twin brother Gene, were the youngest of nine children.

Due to the death of her parents at an early age, Jane went to live with her oldest sister, Barbara (Orville) Bongers and their family – her home for the next 45 years. Jane was a life-long member of St. John Parish in Little Chute and attended St. John Grade School. She worked at the Sheltered Activity Workshop and Valley Packaging where she gained a taste of independence and a sense of pride for the work she was able to do.

Over the years, Jane was watched over by all of her sisters and brothers, each one taking an active role in her care. Most recently, Jane lived at the St. Paul Home in Kaukauna, and early on, sang in the Villa Voices Choir there. She thrived in that environment and loved every day she spent there. The residents and staff were most kind to her, and she always responded with a smile, a friendly word, or a hug.

In her early years, doctors were to call Jane "special", but they had no idea just how special a person she was to become. Jane was truly one of God's angels, and she walked this earth with a never-ending smile on her face and kindness in her heart for everyone she met. To her nieces, nephews, family and friends, Jane was a teacher, for it was through her that we all learned the meaning of patience, kindness, love and compassion. If this was the Lord's plan for Jane on this earth, then we are sure He is pleased with a job well done. He could not have asked for a better messenger of His word.

A few of Jane's favorite things included band music, Bingo, chocolate, kittens, babies, anything red, Johnny Cash, Elvis…and a party.

Jane is survived by her two sisters, Grace Hoffman, Kaukauna, and Marian Vanden Heuvel, Germantown; her brother, Gordon (Margy) Hammen, Little Chute; her sisters-in-law, Betty Hammen and Josephine Hammen, both of Little Chute and her many loving nieces and nephews. Jane is further survived by the friends and neighbors she has known in her 84 years, most recently the ones she has met in her time at the St. Paul Home.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Barbara (Orville) Bongers and Elizabeth (Joseph) VanThiel; her brothers, Roger Hammen, Eugene Hammen and Carl Hammen; and her brothers-in-law, Dr. Elmer Hoffman and Harold Vanden Heuvel.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 3:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. Ronald Belitz will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank everyone at St. Paul Elder Services, especially the staff of Primrose, and Dr. Jack Meyer for all their kindness toward Jane. She so appreciated your friendship, and everything you did for her.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
And where there is sadness, joy.
--Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi