Nancy M. Van Den Elsen, formerly of Kimberly, age 86 died at St. Paul Home Thursday June 3, 2010. She was born in Marshfield on March 20, 1924 to the late Robert and Eleanor (Lesselyoung) Errington. Nancy was raised in Marshfield and Appleton, graduating from Appleton High School in 1942. She attended St. Scholastica and graduated from Lawrence University in 1944. Nancy earned her Masters degree from U.W. Oshkosh in 1974. She married James Van Den Elsen on July 23, 1949 at St. Therese Parish. He preceded her in death in 1997. Mrs. Van (as she was affectionately known to her thousands of students) taught in the Appleton Public Schools for 25 years.
She founded and directed The Kimlarks and The Vanettes. After her retirement in 1979, she continued to give private piano lessons until 2005, sometimes having as many as 100 students per week. She inspired many children to pursue music as a career and life long hobby. Music was her passion. She resided in Kimberly until moving to St. Paul Villa in 2005, where she continued to play piano until her health failed her. In addition to her love of music, Nancy loved to build puzzles and watch NASCAR. She collected butterflies, Hummels and Delft porcelain.

Nancy is survived by her children: Chris (Mike) Braun, Madison; Sandra (Jim) Palmer, Hudson, NH; Cher (Rick) Hayslip, Suwanee, GA; and Sue (Joe) Wurzer, Kimberly; 7 grandchildren: Kimberly (Brendan) Farnsworth, Rikki (Kevin) Fitzpatrik, Trevor and Danielle Wallis, Sarah Braun, Matthew and Carolyn Wurzer; and brothers: Bill (Jean) and James (Lois) Errington. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Monday June 7, 2010 beginning at 3:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel at ST. PAUL HOME (316 E. 14th St. Kaukauna). The Rev. David J. Funk, O.F.M. Cap. will officiate. Committal Highland Memorial.

Nancy's family sends a special thank you to Jean for continuing to love and care for her dear cat Maestro. They would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to everyone at St. Paul Villa and Home for the love and dignity given to Mom during her time there, and to Sr. Dorothy and Molly for their spiritual guidance.