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Renae Hooey

Renae Michelle Hooey Age 43, passed away peacefully on Dec. 24, 2024. She was born on Sept. 12, 1981. Renae had 43 productive years on Earth. We were married in a court room on Jan. 31, 2003, prior to another deployment overseas. We kept loyal to our vows for 21 years = for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. Christmas Eve morning we voiced our last goodbyes to Mom. This day was her new beginning in heaven. Renae was a Registered Nurse and found great pride and fulfillment in caring for her patients. I could tell she truly cared for her patients because it was difficult for her to separate her emotions when she was at home. One of the reasons I married her is because her heart was larger than mine. Both her daughters Lillian and Jonelle were lucky enough to receive her smarts, creativity, beauty and huge heart from Mom. Renae really LOVED cats. When we were dating we had a whole closet full of cat clothes, a cat stroller, family pictures with our cats, pictures with Santa even though he was allergic to cats and of course cat décor galore. She often had entire conversations with her kitty cats that our apartment neighbors would say, “I hear you talking to your cat a lot. You must really love her.” Yes, her cats where her furry babies, she will be talking up a storm in heaven with many of them. Each weekend off our family would have one day of cleaning/work and one day of fun. Mom absolutely loved spending time with her family either; attending a Tom Pease Concert, exploring Hartman’s Creek, petting the animals at Mulberry Farm, attending Menasha children library events, or a quick stop at the We Energies event for their delicious chocolate cocoa and free recipe booklet, etc. We believed our kids’ happiness was extremely important and our lives revolved around them. She could easily connect with moms and coordinate play dates, girl scouts, church chats, birthday parties, etc. … for the girls. She was an awesome Mom. Renae died of brain cancer. There is no cure for her cancer today. One day I will read about Mom and most cancers will be cured. In the meantime our family will move more and eat those veggies and fruits. Our special thanks to all you do for our Wisconsin community! Thedacare Neenah, Thedacare Appleton, Thedacare Cancer Center, Thedacare Peabody, Thedacare Cherry Meadows, Thedacare at Home and Hospice, Frodtert Medical Center, UW Madison Medical Center. Thank you my Thedacare Family: Several bake sales in hospitals (secretly) and Northland Mall, Festival brat fries wearing your winter jackets, Gina’s Market free event donations, donations of presents, money, events for our children to enjoy themselves, the many delicious, super grandiose meals over the years. You have taught me receiving help is okay, no one family can fight cancer alone. We feel much loved from you all!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! Thank you for Like A Prayer Foundation. Renae’s bucket list was to have a normal wedding and you made her dreams come true. Thank you very much!! I like to thank Ida Dedrich, a long-term caregiver that provided care for Renae with love each and every time at a high level displaying her experience caring for hospice patients and their families. I like to thank Jill Gretzinger, who chose to enter this Hell with me. You have helped my family more than words can describe over these years. I will remember this, we are indebted to you. Renae will be greatly missed by her husband: Patrick; her daughters: Lillian and Jonelle; siblings: Erica and Jeremy Brisson; as well as many extended family members and friends. Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to assist the family during this time. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

VERKUILEN-VAN DEURZEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive, Kaukauna, WI 54130, 920-766-2099, www.verkuilenfh.com