Clara Dercks

Clara Dercks (Clare) - Little Chute - Age 94, passed peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2025. She was born on Aug. 27, 1930, to the late Arthur and Rose Pennings. Clare graduated from St. John High School. She married Eugene (Gene) Dercks Sept. 15, 1951, at St John Nepomucene Catholic Church, where she was a lifelong member. Gene preceded her in death on March 26, 1998, after 46 years of marriage. Clare loved life and enjoyed all of her family and friends around her. She will always be remembered for her infectious laugh and the way she looked at the sunny side of life. She had a particular affinity for cookies and ice cream yet her outlook on life was even sweeter. Her line, "Well I'm here, let's make the best of it," was her chosen way to live. She had a strong Catholic faith and shared it with everyone. She enjoyed and participated in all kinds of activities and loved playing cards and shaking dice. She liked to win. Her sharp wit always made the time with her interesting and fun. She had a special place in her heart for her grandkids and great grandkids, offering all kinds of advice whether they wanted it or not. She truly will be fondly remembered and missed by everyone who knew her. Clare is survived by her children: Steve (Dori) Dercks, Paula (Tom) Zielinski, Dan (Amy) Dercks, Beth (John) Straw; daughter-in-law: Rochelle Yngcong Dercks; grandchildren: Nick Dercks, Mike (Katie) Dercks, Charlie (fiancee Emilie) Dercks, Brad (Kara) Zielinski, David (Katie) Schommer, Tara (Chris) DePrey, Michael (Stephanie) Zielinski, Emily (Adam) Ethridge, Katie (Rob) Moore, Christopher (Kayla) Johnson, Kevin (fiancee Nina) Johnson, Joel (fiancee Jennie) Straw, Tatum (special friend Grayson) Straw; 26 great-grandchildren; brother: Joseph (Cassie) Pennings; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Pennings, Joan Geurts, Myra Dercks, Delores (Dwayne) VanderLoop; and brother-in-law: Tom Dercks. She is further survived by many special nieces and nephews and friends. In addition to her parents and husband: Gene, Clare was preceded in death by her son: Jim and siblings: Millie (Bob) Jansen, Ethel (Jack) Niesz, Rosemary Pennings, Margaret (Bill) Zornow, Arthur Pennings; sisters- and brothers-in-law: Julia (Cyril) Reichel, Paul (Ann) Dercks, Eleanor (Harvey) Mahn, Harold (Lily) Dercks, Rosemary (Virgil) Helms, Russell Dercks, Irene (Mark) Verhagen, Laverne Dercks, Roger (Berniece) Dercks, Margaret Dercks, and Lefty Geurts. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 5, at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (411 Vandenbroeck St., Little Chute) from 9:30-11:45 a.m. Following the visitation, Monsignor Jim VandenHogen and Deacon Mark Ebben will celebrate the funeral mass at noon. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to St. Paul Elder Services or St. John Catholic Church. For online condolences, please visit www.verkeilenfh.com The Dercks family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at St. Paul Elder Services, Villa and Manor and the Hospice team for their gentle and caring support for the last 2 1/2 years. Special thanks to Kteille Smith and hospice nurses Micki and Corrine. Each step of the way she was treated with compassion, love and dignity. We will be forever grateful.

Verkuilen Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 101 Canal Street, 920 788-3321, www.verkuilenfh.com