On Friday March 3, 2023, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Della Spreeman died peacefully after more than 99 years of a full life. She was born on June 24,1923 to Peter and Hattie (Linders) Smits. On June 14, 1941 she was united in marriage to Melvin Mathias Thomson at St Boniface Church. They raised 3 children, Mary Jo, Peter and Bob, whom she dearly loved. Mel died in 1972.

In 1974 the Thomson's welcomed Conrad Berken into their family. Connie and Della were married for 13 years before his death. He and Della loved to travel, play cards, gamble and enjoy the grandchildren.

Della was introduced to Eugene Spreeman at McDonald's, and he asked if she wanted to go for a ride; she hesitated and when he said he would take her to Carter, she said yes. That was the start of her 25-year marriage to Gene. The family now included his daughter Lynn.

Della was a very sociable person who enjoyed baking, bowling, playing cards and gambling. She would never turn down a trip to the casino. Her many friends and family appreciated her bars, caramels and especially her angel food cakes (even wedding cakes).

She is survived by her children: Mary Jo (Bill) Diedrick, Peter (Luann) Thomson, Bob Thomson (fiancée Jodi Bouche), daughter-in- law Judi Thomson and her stepdaughter Lynn (Nate) Jacobs: her grandchildren: Tracy (Greg) Papacosta, Sarah (David) Kasdorf, Jill (Eric) Lavarda. Melanie (Dave) Strei, David (Joanne) Thomson, Brian (Brooke) Thomson, Jeremy (Christy) Thomson and Holly (Tom) Fey. Twelve great-grandchildren also survive her. She looked forward to her visits with them.

Della was preceded in death by her husbands, five infant children and her sisters: Norma (John) Minten, Dorothy (Joe) Thomson, Verna Mae (Sonny) Parins and brothers: Roman (Gen) Smits, Raymond (Lorraine) Smits, Lloyd (Jean) Smits and infant brother Clarence.

You're our guardian angel Mom

Sitting on our shoulder

Whispering your words of wisdom

To use as we get older

We don't want to say goodbye

But we'll meet again some day

We'll pick up where we left off

Before you went away

The family wishes to thank the staff of Rennes Health and Rehab for their care of Della. She enjoyed her friends there, especially her card playing group.

Friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish 1307 Lourdes Ave. De Pere, Tuesday March 14, 2023, from 9:00AM-10:45AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM with Fr. James Baraniak O. Praem. officiating. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere is assisting the family.