Rita M. Chapelle (Van Domelen)

Chapelle, Rita Marie (Van Domelen)
Nee Toonen
Appleton

Age 85, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2006 at Brewster Village. She was born on May 9, 1921 in Appleton to the late Martin J. and Elizabeth S. (Reider) Toonen. Rita was a 1939 graduate of Appleton High School. On June 18, 1941 she married Joseph Van Domelen in Appleton, he preceded her in death On January 5, 1963. She was again united in marriage on October 2, 1969 in Appleton to Robert Chapelle, who passed away on June 27, 1993.

Rita was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and belonged to the Christian Mothers’ Society. She was a volunteer for 20 years at St. Joseph Food Pantry. Rita was proud of the fact that she was a member of the first graduating class of Appleton High School. Rita enjoyed bowling and was a member of the 600 Club. She and her second husband Bob spent many happy years golfing at Winagamie Golf Club where they were co-presidents of their couples’ league.

She is survived by her five children: Marty (Donnis) Van Domelen, Appleton; Jim (Nancy) Van Domelen, Pulaski; Bob (Cathie) Van Domelen, Waukesha; Terry (Jody) Van Domelen, Appleton; Karen (Meg Leighton) Van Domelen, New Berlin; 13 grandchildren and their children: Joe (Sharon) Van Domelen, Erin and Rachael, Mike (Terri) Van Domelen, Alyssa, Steve (Dawn) Van Domelen, Allison and Emma, Greg (Dawn) Van Domelen, Theodore and Gweneth, Jeff (Jennifer) Van Domelen, Jacob and Elyse, Rick (Sue) Van Domelen, Elizabeth, Gwendolyn, and Samantha, Rob (Stacy) Van Domelen, Kessler, Shari (Chanse) Kaczmarski, Dave Van Domelen, Scott Van Domelen, Carole (Tim) Clark, Marah, Brian (Christi) Kray, Christian and Myles, Dan Kray (Luci Stephany), Halle; and her dear sister: Ethel “Toni” Lambie, Appleton, as well as many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and her two husbands, she was preceded in death by three brothers and their wives: Harold and Pat Toonen, Jerome and Joyce Toonen, Tom and Vi Toonen; one sister and her husband, Betty and Leo Tiedt; brothers-in-law: Murch Lambie, John Nash and Jim Chapelle. She was also predeceased by her brother, Martin, and infant sister, Eunice, other brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews..

Funeral Liturgy for Rita will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at St. Joseph Catholic Church (410 W. Lawrence Street) at 10:30 A.M. with Father Larry Abler officiating. Friends may call directly at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of mass. Interment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in her name.

Rita’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Cedars, Brewster Village for their loving care. We’d name names, but there are too many to mention. Thanks to you all.