Francisca Chatelin

COTTAGE GROVE-Francisca C. “Cisca” Chatelin, age 86, of Cottage Grove, passed away at home from natural causes on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. Cisca, the daughter of Frans and Cornelia Van Woelderen, was born a Dutch citizen on Dec. 28, 1933, in Mojokerto, Java, in the former Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). In 1950, Cisca and her family immigrated to the Netherlands. She married Etien (Rudy) Chatelin in 1957 and welcomed a daughter, Sylvia, in 1958. The family then immigrated to the U.S. in 1961 and settled in Madison, WI. She later became a naturalized citizen. Cisca was very self-motivated and always worked multiple jobs, including over 30 years at General Casualty Insurance. She retired in 1999 and shortly after worked from home part-time for WPS until 2017. For Cisca, family always came first. She was kind, generous, and always there for family and friends in any way she could help. She enjoyed attending activities that her grandson, nieces, and nephews participated in. She loved to sew and was an excellent seamstress, but above all, Cisca’s most beloved trait was her cooking! Anytime you stopped over, she would have something ready for you. Her specialties were Indonesian lumpia, Dutch croquettes, and crepes so buttery they melted in your mouth! She was passionate about politics and liked discussing topics related to history as well as current events from around the world with family and friends. She particularly enjoyed watching FOX News. Cisca is survived by her daughter, Sylvia Wankerl of Cottage Grove; grandson, Alex Wankerl of Monona; brothers, Henry (Patricia) Van Woelderen and Richard (Bernadette) Van Woelderen; and sister, Henriette (Norman) Hawkins. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family, and had a special bond with her great-nephew, Cody Kleinsmith. Cisca was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rudy; sister, Sonja; and brother, Edward. A visitation will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 2:15 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. A burial service will follow at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona. To honor Cisca’s memory and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420