Kristine A. Van Berkel

Kristine "Missy" Van Berkel, 61 passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, surrounded by her family, and the love she so freely gave to others. 

Born on November 29, 1962 to Gerald and Beverly (Wydeven) Van Toll, Missy brought warmth, compassion, and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was a devoted wife of Daniel Van Berkel with whom he shared 43 beautiful years of marriage, built on love, laughter, and faith. Together, they created a life rich in family and memories, raising three wonderful children: Kevin, Amie, and Jesse. 

Missy's greatest pride was her family. She was a loving mother who offered endless support and encouragement, a role model whose kindness and resilience will remain a guiding light for her children, and future generations. Missy was a dedicated leader, serving as a guiding force for her son Jesse's Boy Scout Troop. Her commitment to the scouts went far beyond the usual responsibilities, as she played an instrumental role in helping Jesse achieve the rank of Eagle Scout - a proud milestone for both mother and son. Missy's passion for fostering growth and leadership in young people shone brightly in her tireless efforts to support the troop, organizing activities, teaching life skills, and instilling values of perseverance and service. A true jack of all trades, Missy brought the same energy and adaptability to her varied career. She found joy and fulfillment working as a Paraprofessional and Aide at Freedom Area School district, dedicated over a decade to Banta, among many other careers. Missy has enjoyed working at Meijer for the past several years part-time where her cheerful demeanor made her a beloved coworker. Missy's versatility and hard work touched countless lives, leaving an enduring legacy in both her professional and personal communities. Beyond her family, Missy was a cherished friend known for her radiant smile, and ability to make everyone feel valued. She had an uncanny knack for brightening even the darkest days with her sense of humor, corkiness, and unwavering optimism.

Missy enjoyed her time away at the cottage in Athelstane, girls' weekends in Rhinelander, spending time with her family and friends, especially her sister Mary, and making countless memories with Dan, her children, and grandchildren.

Missy's legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and, in the lessons, she impacted about love, generosity, and the importance of cherishing life's simple moments. 

Missy was predeceased by her parents Gerald and Beverly (Wydeven) Van Toll, grandparents John and Martha Van Toll, and Vicent and Lucina Wydeven. She is further predeceased by daughter Amie, brother Thomas Van Toll, parents-in-law George and Shirley (Menting) Van Berkel, grandparent in law John and Helen Menting, and Carl and Sarah Van Berkel and many other family and friends. 

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Van Berkel, her children Kevin (special friend Tasha) Van Berkel, Jesse (LacyeJo) Van Berkel, grandchildren Marlow (special friend Iris) Van Berkel, Karlee (special friend Wiatte) Nennig, Kirrah Althaus, and Charlotte Van Berkel. She is further survived by her siblings; Mary (Rick) Peters, Katie (Mark) Maynard, Kathy Van Toll, siblings in law James (Krista) Van Berkel, Nancy (Ralph) Moser, and Jerry Van Berkel. Godchildren, Judy Beach, Mackenzi Opsteen, Ben Peters, Amy Moser, Andy Long and Stephanie Garvey. Special friends Darlene Peters and Lisa Sutta. She is further survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Missy will take place on Tuesday November 26, 2024, at 4:00pm at Wichmann Funeral Home-Jansen Fargo, 204 E Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 2:00pm until the service begins.

The Van Berkel family wishes to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Town of Center and Town of Freedom First Responders, Gold Cross Ambulance and paramedics, Outagamie County Sheriff’s Dept, and to the ThedaCare Medical Center (AMC) ER, ICU and Hospice staff for your care and compassion shown to Missy. 

Remember me with a giggle and a smile and a shake of the head. 

Somebunny loves you, I do!

Love, Missy