Jennie Van Der Leest

Jane "Jennie" (Valenzuela) Van Der Leest passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2015 surrounded by family, following a long courageous battle with liver cancer and related complications following a transplant. She was born in Miami, AZ on June 14, 1937 to the late Nicholas and Herminia H (Horta) Valenzuela. She grew up in Globe AZ where she gained her love of learning, the performing arts and sports. The oldest of five children, Jennie took on the role of being a mother figure to her four younger siblings as her mother worked long, tireless hours to support the family. Upon reflection, these were the years where she established her foundation of being a hard worker, unconditionally committed to family, and always willing to lend a hand without being asked.

After graduating from Globe High School in 1955, she attended Lamson Business College in Tucson, AZ where she received an Associate's Degree. During this time in Tucson, she also worked as a Legal Secretary for the prestigious law firm of Udall and Udall. While attending Lamson, she met Gerald "Jerry" Van Der Leest from Green Bay, WI who was stationed at the US Air Force Base in Tucson. They were married on July 19, 1958 and true to her commitment to family, in 1959 she willingly left the "Land of the Sun" to relocate to the "Frozen Tundra" of Green Bay, WI. Once in Green Bay, Jennie devoted her time to raising her children and becoming quite engaged in many of the various activities they were involved in such as being a scout leader, school volunteer and an extremely loyal "Hockey Mom". Once Jennies children reached school age, she returned to the employment arena holding various positions with several companies, eventually ending her career by retiring from Georgia Pacific.
In her earlier years, Jennie enjoyed golfing, bowling, camping, snowmobiling, sewing, crocheting, playing the piano and baking. Post retirement she shifted even more of her attention to being a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and absolutely cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren. Jennie loved the holidays, with a particular fondness for Thanksgiving and Christmas as it was these holidays in particular that gave her more opportunities to spend time with family and friends. She enjoyed visiting the NEW Zoo as she was a lover of all animals, and spending time at the Brown County Library - Howard Branch, because she was an avid reader. She loved traveling to see family and friends, children and grandchildren until various health issues made this more difficult for her. Jennie was the ultimate fighter, although fighting several health issues, she seldom missed the opportunity to attend many of the performing arts, school and athletic events that her grandchildren were involved in. She was a kind, compassionate, caring women and made the lives of all she met a little brighter. Jennie will be dearly missed by all of the family and friends she leaves behind.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years Jerry Van Der Leest; children, Rick (Julie) Van Der Leest of Suamico, WI, Sheri (Steve) Sorenson, Green Bay, WI, Julie (Bryan) Schlauch, Little Suamico, WI, and Scott (Lisa) Van Der Leest, Green Bay, WI; her 8 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren; sisters, Becky (Dalton) Farester and Esther (Wade) Harbeck; brother, Nick Valenzuela; sisters-in-law, Carol (Tom) Graves and Shirley Rolfes; numerous nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Katherine "Kathy" Van Der Leest; grandson, Dakota Sorenson; sister Irene "Lena" Tesh and brother-in-law Paul Rolfes.

A traditional funeral was not what Jennie wanted, her vision was to have more of an uplifting venue, where all could come to celebrate her life. While she thoroughly enjoyed supporting any activity her children were involved in, the performing arts events and sporting events were near and dear to her heart, perhaps because as a young child these were some of her passions as well. She was a fan of most sporting events, but had a twinkle in her eye when she could watch or attend hockey games at any level, followed closely behind were football games as she had become a lover of the "Green and Gold" as well. To honor Jennie's heartfelt passion and her wishes, the family would like to encourage all who come to visit her celebration of life ceremony to come dressed casually in your favorite sports teams jersey, sweatshirt, shirt, etc, though whatever you decide to wear is perfectly acceptable. She was clear that she did not want anyone to come and mourn her passing. Jennie preferred those who wished, to come join in a celebration of her life, share fond memories you have of her, reflect on both her accomplishments, and the life's lessons she taught so many of us throughout her entire life. Jennie will be happy you made it to support her family and share fond memories.

Jennie's "Celebration of Life" will be held from 10:00AM - 1:00PM, with a Memorial Visitation until 11:30AM, and a Ceremony beginning at 11:45AM, on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at Lambeau Field, North Loft, 6th Floor Clubs, accessed thru the Bellin Gate (North side of the field). Burial will be at Allouez Catholic Cemetery.

Jennie wanted those who would like to make monetary donations to do so, to St. Jude's Children's Cancer Research Center, Memphis, TN. A Memorial Contribution Designation has been established under the name Jane "Jennie" Van Der Leest, Tribute Number 39302113. The simplest way to do this is to call 1-800-822-6344, give them her tribute number, and the family will be notified of contributions made on Jennie's behalf.

Jennie's family would like to thank Aurora St Lukes Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI and the entire Surgical ICU Team for their compassionate care provided her throughout the ten months that she was in their SICU.

The family would like to encourage anyone who has fond memories or pictures of Jennie, to please post them on the Facebook page "Jennie Van Der Leest" created in her honor.


"To share a memory of Jennie or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below."