On Sunday, August 19, 2018 at 9:00 AM Marion G. De La Hunt, Kaukauna, age 89, our dear mother, friend, grandma, & great grandmother ended her journey surrounded by her family and was finally free of the pain she quietly endured for years. She was born on October 13, 1928 to the late Peter and Rose (Birkenmeyer) Reichel. On February 6, 1951 she married Russell J. De La Hunt.

We had the privilege of accompanying her as she declined, caring for her, laughing with her, sharing intimate moments, experiencing her strength, sense of humor and deep love for all of us. That love extended to her gentle, patient, kind and attentive caregivers: Brenda, Margie, Amber, Julie, Christina and Julie and the other nurses of Heartland Hospice. We were so very blest and grateful to have them in our lives. They have become our extended family.

In writing her obituary it is easy to list a lifetime of accomplishments; mother of eight, housekeeper, caregiver for her husband, parents and grandchildren, county board supervisor, choir member, volunteer for church, school and community and cancer survivor. However, in doing so we fail to capture the essence of the woman we call mom.

She was a mother bear, always ready to protect her family, in good times or bad, right or wrong, she stood beside us and often times held us up.

She was a beautiful soul, respected and looked up to. She never had to use words to express what she was thinking or feeling. Her actions and facial expressions would make that clear. (Although, she did speak quite frankly at times.)

She was selfless and always thought of others first. Many of her life's goals put on hold so that others could achieve theirs. Her family's successes are a direct result of her sacrifices. Even as she lay in her bed she would ask about others and how they were doing. Her mind was sharp and she could recall discussions and significant events in the lives of her family and visitors.

Generosity and kindness defined her life. There were no strangers once they stepped foot in her home.

Her sense of humor carried us through tense and sometime difficult moments. She brought smiles to all of us with her unexpected one liners.

Mom lived in gratitude and simplicity; enjoying cardinals, cream with a splash of coffee, crossword puzzles, reading voraciously, card games, being up North at Leah's cottage, butter with burnt toast, swimming, beer with tomato juice, well done brats, cheering on her grandchildren in sports and being surrounded by her family. She was devoted to St. Anthony.

Our mother died with dignity and grace. We are proud to be her children and to carry on her legacy of love.

Marion is survived by her children: Vivian (Michael) Flanagan, Wrightstown; Michael (Judy), Appleton; Sue (Tom) Merckx, Oshkosh; Tom (Todd West), Appleton; Jane (Kurt) Coenen, Appleton; Mary (Joe) Vander Wyst, Kaukauna; David, Combined Locks; and Leah (Joe McEwen) De La Hunt, Kimberly; grandchildren: Eric Roycraft, Alicia (Cory) Kaisler, Garret Flanagan, Alyssa (Trevor) Gutzdorf, Natasha (Alex)Swetlick, Kyle De La Hunt, Hanna Merckx, Alex (fiancée Kate) and Emma (fiance Tom Klister) Coenen, Maxwell and Riley Vander Wyst, Jordan and Molly De La Hunt; great grandchildren: Gavin, Aidan, Madeline, Elliot, Sophia and Evelyn; and brother-in-law, Matt Moehn. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, and husband Russell, Marion was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Mary; siblings: Ardyth (Louis) School and Elaine (Victor) Juno; and brother and sister-in-law: Duane De La Hunt and Sylvia Moehn; and nephew Kevin De La Hunt.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.