Lorette (Altman) Van Riemsdyk
October 28, 1920 - September 30, 2014
Obituary
Van Riemsdyk, Lorette
MADISON-Lorette (Altman) Van Riemsdyk, age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014. She was born on Oct. 28, 1920, in Chicago, Ill. and resided there until moving to Monona, Wis. in 1992. Lorette was married to Jerry Van Riemsdyk from 1943 until his death in 1983. Throughout her life she held a strong work ethic and worked as a bookkeeper for many years. She was fiercely independent, a tiny German woman with a will of steel. She always spoke her mind, and no one was ever left in doubt about her opinions or her beliefs. In her youth, she was nicknamed “the bug” because she loved to jitterbug, and she remained active well into her elder years. Lorette was a survivor who resolutely overcame a stroke, Parkinson’s disease and surgery for colon cancer. It was, finally, a simple fall resulting in two fractures that bested her shortly before her 94th birthday. Lorette was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry. She is survived and terribly missed by her daughter, Colette Girard; her son-in-law, Bill Scheer; and long time family friend, Mark Andersen. Lorette would want to acknowledge the exceptional care provided by the staff at St. Mary’s Care Center (Nakoma Neighborhood) during the past six months of her residency there. She would also want to thank her PCP, Dr. Karen Lentfer, and all the staff at Wildwood Family Clinic who knew and loved her for many years. Her thanks would finally extend to her neurologist, Dr. Teresa Mangin, who skillfully monitored her Parkinson’s disease and to the Meals on Wheels volunteers who kindly provided for her in her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014. Following the mass, there will be an informal gathering and light luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at Marian Hall (in the IHM School next door). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Mass of Christian Burial
Wed Oct 8, 2014 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Monona • 5101 Schofield St., Monona, WI 53716
No photos of Lorette (Altman) have been shared yet.
Memories
JS
Jan Schewe
Other •
Colette, we send our love and sympathy as you mourn the loss of your sweet, feisty mom. We knew her just a short time, but she left a lasting impression. With all her medical challenges, she was a fighter. How fortunate she was to have a devoted daughter like you. We wish you peace and comfort.
Love, Jan & Mike Schewe
MF
Mary Pat Feifarek
Other •
Dear Colette, I delivered Meals to your Mom on Tuesdays for years until last winter. I wish I had gotten back to see her one more time. She was a delight, my very favorite. I looked forward to seeing her every week. We shared the same birthday. She always called me "Pat", she always asked about me and my family, she consoled me when my Dad passed away. She talked about you and your cats and how much you did for her. She loved the flowers and the seasonal decorations you did around the apartment. She loved you very much. I know you will miss her terribly and my heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Mary Pat Feifarek