Rita Berken

Rita Berken (Emons) - Little Chute - Age 94, passed away with her family at her side on Saturday, March 12. She was born in Darboy on Dec. 16, 1927 to Albert and Theresa (Thurner) Emons. She graduated from Holy Angels Grade School and was a member of St. John High School Class of 1945. From 1945 to 1952 she worked in the office at Pettibone-Peabody Company, which later became H.C. Prange and Younkers. She married Emmett Berken, of Wrightstown, on Sept. 16, 1950, at Holy Angels Church. Throughout their 63 years of marriage, they were thankful for God’s grace and blessings. Volunteering and giving to others were an important part of their marriage and life. She generously gave her time to Girl and Boy Scouts, St. John School and her children’s activities, St. Elizabeth Society, American Legion Auxiliary-Unit 436, serving as treasurer for 46 years and Catholic Knights of Darboy. Since her marriage she was a faithful member of St. John Nepomucene Church in Little Chute. For many years she volunteered in the parish office and was a dedicated member of the St. John Mission Club. Rita is survived by her four children: Barbara (Lee) Van Rooy, Kathleen (Dan) McNelly, Robert (Kathryn) Berken and Mary (Nick) Demerath; grandchildren: Amy (Dave) Szymanski, David (Ani) Van Rooy, Bethany (Chris) Campbell, Emily (Ben) Lang, Stephen McNelly, Marissa (Jason) Le, Robert (special friend Bianca Bauer), Heather, Katelyn and Daniel Berken, Dominic (Jessica) Demerath, James (Rachel) Demerath, Jordan Demerath and Kevin (Lexi) Demerath. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Griffin, Owen, Gracie, Ashlyn, Ana, Grant, Ella, Belle, Andrew, Patrick, Cash, Winnie, and Jillian, who fondly called her “Gramma Great.” She is further survived by her sister-in-law: Mary Berken and many nieces and nephews. Rita was preceded in death by her husband: Emmett; a brother and sister-in-law: Harold and Olive Emons; and her in-laws: Gordon and Lorraine Berken, Lloyd and Blanche Berken, Gerald and Verna Berken, Dale Berken, Ed (Margie and Dorothy) Spierings, Jerome (Evelyn) Kuepper, Gerald (Bernice) Bruecker. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, March 17, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek St., Little Chute, with Msgr. Jim Vanden Hogen officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Those wishing to watch the service online may do so at www.stjn.org. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Rita’s name. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. Her family is very appreciative to St. Paul Home Hospice for their kindness and compassion in caring for our mother during her illness.

VERKUILEN-VAN DEURZEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 101 Canal Street, Little Chute 920 788 3321, www.verkuilenfh.com