Annaceil "Annie" Meulemans

Annie Meulemans, of Appleton, formerly Black Creek, passed away on April 7, 2025 at her residence at the age of 89. Annie was born in Kaukauna, Wisconsin on August 20, 1935 to Edward and Jeanette Lappen (Van Dyke). Annie graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1954. There she had learned to play clarinet in the marching band and saxophone in the dance band.

Annie was joined in marriage to Lloyd Joseph Meulemans on July 19, 1958 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Kaukauna. Annie held a variety of jobs through her life, including Billing Office at Thilmany Pulp and Paper in Kaukauna, Hilltop Bakery, Dave’s Foodland, and Romy’s Nightingale through the years, but her life’s work was raising her children, caring for her home, her garden, and her beloved husband, Lloyd. Her 59-year marriage to Lloyd was a testimony to her dedication, loving heart, and great love for family. A dyed in the wool baseball fan, Annie’s life included both playing, and watching ball games, especially the Milwaukee Brewers. She also joined several church choirs over the years, singing in her hearty alto, particularly at St. Edward’s church, with husband Lloyd. Her biggest love in life was the family she raised, and supporting their activities in scouting, Drum and Bugle Corps, athletics, and music events. She and Lloyd encouraged all their children to learn to play a musical instrument, and to make music a lifelong enjoyment. Her home was seldom without a variety of baked goods, including brownies, cookies and cakes, she had a special fondness for pies, and carried that interest to the end of her life. Maple Walnut ice cream was her favorite treat, and she almost never said “no” to a Friday night fish fry, a garden fresh tomato, or other fruits and vegetables she grew in her garden, preserving them for the long Wisconsin winters and her thriving family. Her faith was the foundation of her life, a devout Catholic, who always had a rosary in her hand, or on her arm, throughout her life. Annie had a smile that lit the room, a very quick wit, and a tremendous sense of humor. Her approach to life was good natured, fun-loving, hard-working, and kind.

Annie is survived by her loving and devoted children: Jean (Kenneth) Fink, David (Ken Harrison) Meulemans, Cathy (Diane Dick), and Jeff (Rachel) Meulemans. She was the grandmother of Jen Fink, Jesse Fink (Lisa Wells), Alexandria (Christopher) Chism, and Kimberlyn Meulemans (fiancé Lucas Laperriere); the great-grandmother to one great-grandchild, Callie Fink; sister to Janet (Jackie) Broeren; sister-in-law Ila Mae "Toots" Hawley, and further survived by other relatives and friends. Annie was blessed to include among her closest friends, Deacon Jeff Hofacker who spent countless hours with her over the many years of his affiliation with St. Edward.

Annie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lloyd, mother and father-in-law, sons Michael and Thomas, sisters Marion, Ruth, and Roslyn; and brothers Leo, Clifford and Paul; sisters-in-law Marilyn Stratton, Marge Thede, Mabel Lappen, and Marion Lappen; brothers-in-law Ken Hawley, LeRoy Thede, Don Stratton and Edward Broeren as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at St. Edwards’s Catholic Church, N2921 State Road 47, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM. The Funeral Liturgy at 12:00 PM, with burial at a future date at St. Edward Cemetery, Mackville.

Forever in our hearts, Mom. We have loved having you in our lives into our own golden years, knowing that was the best blessing of all.