Carol De Bruin

Carol A. De Bruin - Little Chute - Age 89, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sept. 25, 2023. Her final wish was fulfilled being able to end her journey at home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on April 4, 1934, daughter of the late Bernard and Catherine (Ebben) Van Zeeland. Carol married Thomas F. De Bruin on May 25, 1961, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna. Before having children, Carol was proud to have been an executive secretary to the president of Thilmany for 12 years. She became a dedicated member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church where she led the daily rosary for nearly 30 years. Carol devoted her life to the Catholic faith. She sponsored 16 children through both the Christian Foundation for Children & Aging and APUFRAM International. Carol made thousands of rosaries which she donated to the missions. She was also a promoter for the Monte Alverno Retreat Center and made yearly silent retreats there. She volunteered at Parkside Care Center in Little Chute helping with activities for the residents. Carol and Tom provided guardianship for three elderly women who didn’t have family in the area.  In addition, they traveled to Honduras for multiple mission trips where their hard work and generosity brought smiles to many of the children. Carol was best known for her dedication to Mother Mary and the rosary, her beautiful home with a perfectly manicured yard, and the love she had for her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Carol is survived by her children: Deb (Keith) Hammen, Frank (Rachelle) De Bruin, Tim (Lisa) De Bruin, and Terri (Dan) Reynebeau; grandchildren: Jill, Kevin, Mike, Will (special friend Makayla Kleiber), Mary Hammen and Kate (Maxwell) Borowski;  Andrew (special friend Aubri Campos), Connor and Kayla De Bruin;  Tiffany (fiancé Tim Bauer), Jodi, Steffany (special friend Ryan Conat) and Troy De Bruin; Kari (Andrew) Knox, Ryan, Melissa and Rob Reynebeau; great-grandchildren: Mason, Roman, Evelyn, Bob and Isaiah Borowski; Sam, Ellie and Nora Knox; siblings: Joan Voet, Mary Kalupa, Margaret “Reetz” Buechel, Bernie (Bonnie) Van Zeeland, Ed (Patti) Van Zeeland; sister-in-law Dolores De Bruin; stepsister: Marlene Coenen; stepsister-in-law: Ruth Theunis; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbors. Carol was preceded in death by her husband: Thomas De Bruin; parents: Bernard and Catherine Van Zeeland; father and mother-in-law: Frank and Agnes De Bruin; brothers-in-law: Dan Voet, Tom Kalupa, Bob Buechel and Jim De Bruin; sisters-in-law: Betty (Joe) Peerenboom and Joyce (Shy) Bouressa; stepmother: Christine “Teenie” Theunis; stepbrother: Bill Theunis; stepbrother-in-law: Jim Coenen; and special uncle and aunt: Merle and Jayne Vandenberg. The funeral Mass for Carol was held Sept. 29 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Little Chute. Interment was in the parish cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. The De Bruin family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and caregivers of SYNERGY Home Care, Home Instead and ThedaCare at Home for all of the love and care given to Carol. A memorial will be established in Carol’s name.

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