Maria Theresia van der Veken

Maria Theresa van der Veken, wife of the late Laurent H. van der Veken, passed away on April 15, 2019.  Maria passed away quietly in her sleep, at her daughters home in Nokomis IL, after a long and debilitating illness.

Maria was born in Maastricht The Netherlands December 26, 1930.  She grew up in Maastricht living through World War II there.  After the war ended she felt a strong need to help the ill and orphaned children left behind by the war.  She became a teacher, teaching young women how to care for these children now living in orphanages and sanatoriums.

In 1963 she met and married the love of her life Laurent (Larry) van der Veken.  They married and immigrated to the United States, where she became a citizen.  Here they had 5 children:  Larua Maria (deceased), Maria Theresia, John Jozef, Laurent Jozef, and Jozef Hubert (deceased).

They settled in beautiful Clear Lake, WI where they Dairy farmed for many years.  Maria staunchly supported her family through all the highs and lows farming can bring.

Maria passed away with her children and grand-children at her side.  She suffered from a long and arduous illness Lewy Body dementia for 4 years.

She is survived by her 3 children, 8 grand-children, and 3 siblings.  She will always remain lovingly in her families hearts.

Maria's funeral was held at St. Louis Catholic Church on April 17, 2019 in Nokomis, IL.
A graveside service was held on April 18, 2019 at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery in Clayton, WI
where she is now buried next to her husband and children.  

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