Marie Van Gheem - Smits, 94, passed away Saturday August 21, 2010, in De Pere at Rennes Health Center. She was born February 7, 1916 in De Pere, to the late Anton & Anna (Hermes) Van Lanen. Marie attended grade school only at St. Boniface. Marie married her first husband, Norbert (Jack) Van Gheem on September 22, 1937. He proceeded her in death on November 29, 1969. She then married William C. Smits Sr. on March 1, 1973. He proceeded her in death June 9, 2007. Marie was active with the Whirl-a-Way square dance club for over 50 yrs. She also was a member of St.Boniface Christian Mothers, Catholic Women's Club, Bellins Concerned Heart Club and spent 19 years volunteering at Woodside Lutheran Home for the library. She also was a frequent visitor at Rennes Health Care and Renaissance Assisted Living. Marie was an ardent gardener and canned her produce. She was an accomplish cook and seamstress. She also did knitting, tatting, crocheting and embroidery. She was a fisher women and if there was only one perch in the she caught it. She is survived by her children, Gary Van Gheem (Ann) Payson, AZ, Jan Fox, Ashwaubenon and Mary Kay (Jim) Prescott, Magalia, CA. 2 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren. Three step children JeanAnn (Richard). Faltynski, Appleton, Mary Ann (Jerry) Williems, De Pere and Bill Jr. (Sandy) Smits. Green Bay. Eight step grandchildren and 11 step great grandchildren. She further survived by two brothers, Lloyd (Ellen) Van Lanen and Jerry (Roseann) Van Lanen. Five sisters, Loretta Hansen, Lorraine Gersek, Doris DeBruin, Dorothy (Ira) Thiry and Jean (Darrel) Molzahn. Marie is proceeded in death by son-in-law James L. Fox in 1992, her first husband Norbert (Jack) 1969 and his eight siblings, her second husband Bill 2007and his six siblings. Two sisters and four brothers, numerous nieces and nephews. Burial has taken place and a Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to express online condolences to the family. Thanks to everyone at Rennes and Unity Hospice for her excellent care. Please no flowers donations can be made in her name to Brown County NEW Zoo (4378 Reforestration Rd, Suamico, WI 54173) or to the Bay Area Humane Society and Animal Shelter (1830 Radisson, Green Bay, WI 54302) The RYAN FUNERAL HOME of De Pere is assisting the family.