Doris Marie De Bruin, age 88, Little Chute, passed away on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at her home surrounded by her family. Doris was born on February 24, 1924 in De Pere, daughter of the late Anton and Anna (Hermes) Van Lanen. On April 12, 1946 she married Mervin Sonny Brownie De Bruin at St. Boniface Catholic Church, De Pere. He preceded her in death on August 30, 1998. Doris worked part time at Krieks Furs and for the Fashion Shop. She also volunteered for 22 years at the Appleton Medical Center and was a member of the Golden Agers of Little Chute, the American Legion Auxiliary, and St. John Nepomucene Catholic Parish. Doris was so artistic and could make something beautiful out of nothing at all. She loved to dance with Sonny, play cards and was in many card clubs. Doris especially enjoyed spending time with her family. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Linda Lynn (Gerald) Schwaller of Fish Creek, Colette Collie (Tom) Schroth-Thurwachter of Brillion, Mary (Donald) Ebben of Appleton, and Keith (Holly) De Bruin of Little Chute; nine grandchildren: Renee (Steve) Schwaller-Beaudot of Egg Harbor, Aaron (Jenni Crawley) Schwaller of Sodona, AZ, Serena (Jeff) Eickert of Brillion, Rob (Tanya) Schroth of Brillion, Ashley Schroth of Kaukauna, Melissa (Kurt) Bigelow of Seattle, WA, Tara Ebben of Appleton, Katie (Nic Kieper) De Bruin of Appleton, and Carly De Bruin of Little Chute; ten great-grandchildren: Ava and Wyatt Beaudot, Jasmine and Mira Schwaller, Riley, Brooke, and Sienna Eickert, Bud and Nicotiana Schroth, and Luvyanna Arts; two brothers and two sisters-in-law: Lloyd (Ellen) Van Lanen and Gerry (Roseanne) Van Lanen, all of De Pere; three sisters and two brothers-in-law: Lorraine Gersek of Florida, Dorothy (Ira) Thiry of De Pere, and Jean (Darryl) Molzahn of Green Bay; other in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Sonny, son-in-law Bud Schroth, and other in-laws. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 9, 2012 at St. John Nepomucene Church, 323 Pine Street in Little Chute. The Rev. Father James Hablewitz will officiate with entombment at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.wieting-funeralhome.com The Wieting Funeral Home, Brillion is assisting the De Bruin family with funeral arrangements. A memorial fund has been established for the American Cancer Society. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Theda Care Hospice Nurses.
