Laura Elizabeth Van Asten

Laura Van Asten, 20, of Darboy, passed away on June 30 from injuries sustained while riding a horse. She was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 7, 1996, to Kelly (Mike) and Elizabeth (Betty) Van Asten.

Laura just completed her junior year at Lawrence University pursuing a degree in trombone performance. She enjoyed sharing her musical talents with others at school, church, and in the community. As much as music was a part of her life, horses were her greatest passion. She volunteered at BEAMING as a therapeutic horse handler. Her passion for horses extended to Mulberry Lane Farm where she had a variety of responsibilities, her favorite being working with the horses. Through the graciousness of several friends throughout the years, Laura was given many other opportunities to learn about horsemanship and to go riding for pleasure. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she was doing something she truly loved when she died.

Laura attended Holy Angels/Holy Spirit School in Darboy from preschool through eighth grade. She attended Xavier High School in Appleton, where she participated in band, marching band, pit orchestra, and the Rock for Life club. She was able to visit many different parts of the country through band trips, the March for Life, and Catholic Heart Work Camp. She was also an active member of the Chazoo Warriors, her parish peer ministry group. During the family’s annual camping trip, Laura loved campfires, water skiing, hiking, and swimming. She also enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and playing games. Her family enjoyed her ability to be thoughtful and serious, and also loved her delightful silliness.

Laura is survived by her father and mother, Darboy; her brother Luke, Mishicot; her sister Michelle, at home; her boyfriend Isaac Mayhew, St. Paul, MN; her grandparents Alois Van Asten, Wisconsin Rapids; Richard and Mary (Millie) Sorensen, Madison; aunts and uncles Gene (“T”) Van Asten, Appleton; John (Patti) Van Asten, Rudolph; godfather Bob (Char) Van Asten, Menasha; Jeff (Krista) Van Asten, Kimberly; Kirk (Gwen) Van Asten, Wisconsin Rapids; godmother Victoria Reigel, Hortonville; Becky Sorensen, Madison; and Barb (Neal) Van Ersvelde, Grinnell, IA; and twenty-three cousins.

Laura was preceded in death by her grandmother Ellie Van Asten, and her aunt Alice Van Asten.

Laura will be remembered for her positive attitude, her genuine smile, and the joy that she brought to those around her. She was a bright young woman who was very devoted to her faith and exemplified a spirit of service to others. Laura was a blessing in the lives of anyone who knew her, and she was and always will be dearly loved.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 PM Friday, July 7, 2017, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 11:00 AM with Fr. Bob Kollath officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Interment will follow at Holy Angels cemetery, W2796 Cty Rd KK Appleton.

Laura, we love you and will deeply miss having you here with us on earth. We watched you go from being a shy young girl to blossoming into a beautiful, confident, and outgoing young woman. We are so proud of you, and we appreciate how you lived your faith and through that, brought joy to others. Love, Mom, Dad, Luke, and Michelle.