Chance D. Van Stippen

Chance David Van Stippen of Appleton, WI joined his heavenly kingdom at the age of 14 on January 12, 2024, after a long courageous fight with an aggressive brain cancer. He was born to his wonderful momma, Shayla Van Stippen, on March 6, 2009. Chance attended Menasha school district and was a freshman at Menasha High School. He had many classmates and friends that were supportive and such a help to him and all that he was going through.

Chance had the soul and strength of a protector and wanted to be a police officer one day. He had a wonderful, nurturing spirit and wanted to make his momma a proud grandma one day. Chance loved children and babies, especially his younger siblings, and was an excellent role model and big brother to his siblings. He loved introducing his family to new and exciting TV shows and liked to play video games with— especially Mario Bros Games— with all of them. Chance always had great excitement and anticipation when Christmas was near, not only because he loved green and red colors, but because he had such an appreciation for his family and loved nothing more than spending time with them. He had faith in God and believed he would find salvation through his Lord. Chance was a big history buff, having a deep fascination with various historical wars and conflicts, but kept a love in his heart for the sciences too. He loved building Lego sets both on his own and with his siblings. Chance was so mature and wise for his age — he was never ashamed of his family, even as a teenager, he was never afraid to show his love; he always picked up litter that he found on the street to help save the earth; and he always put others needs before his own. Chance embraced everyone he met with open arms, always accepting them from who they were and always cheering them on and encouraging them. Chance was truly a friend to all and a lover of all things good. He was so proud of his family and loved everyone that came into his life.

Chance fought bravely, fiercely and ferociously against his cancer. Not even his diagnosis could dull the light that he projected into this world. He faced his diagnosis head on, never showing fear, but always keeping a smile on his face and a positive outlook.

Chance will be deeply missed by his mother, Shayla Van Stippen; his step dad, Dakota Washkuhn; his siblings, Caydence and Camdyn Van Stippen; his grandma, Marissa Stankevitz; his grandpa, Don Stankevitz; his great grandma, Paula Van Stippen; his uncle, Jaymin (Amber) Van Stippen; his aunt Jessica Stankevitz; his cousins, Addlynn and Ezmay Stankevitz; his great-uncle Carp (Brenda) Van Stippen; as well as many other extended relatives and dear friends.

Chance is reunited with his great-grandpa, Jerry “Papa” Van Stippen; his great-grandma Shirley Wilson; his good family friend, Uncle Dustin Kaufert; and his best fur friend and faithful companion, Max.

A funeral visitation will be held for Chance on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 4-8 PM at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911.  Another visitation will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 9-11 AM at Christ the Rock Community Church, W6254 US-10, Menasha, WI 54952, with a funeral service to follow at 11 AM.  Chance will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton, WI at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee or to Families of Children with Cancer in honor of Chance. 

Chance’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Compassus Hospice for the care and compassion they showed taking care of Chance— especially Nurses DJ, Kim, CNA Ashley. They would also like to thank his care team at Children’s Hospital Milwaukee, Dr. Tanaka, Nurses Suzie and Jamie for all their wonderful, compassionate care over the last year. Also a special thanks to the Menasha Police Department, Fox Crossing Police Department, and Neenah Police Department— especially Officer Gallagher, and the entirety of the Menasha Community for their love and support in this tough time.

“I love you to the moon and back”- Chance.

Donate to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin: https://secure3.convio.net/chw/site/Donation2?df_id=2004&mfc_pref=T&2004.donation=form1

Donate to Families of Children with Cancer: https://www.focwc.org/donate-index-impact