Lillian Jean Van Goethem

Lillian Jean Van Goethem, 63, passed away on Thursday, December 30th, 2021 at Howard Young Medical Center after her month-long battle with COVID. She began her second journey surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Woodruff on October 30th, 1958, the daughter of William and Jeanne (nee Grundy) Van Order. Lil graduated from Lakeland Union High School with the Class of 1976.

Lil married Rick Van Goethem on May 3rd, 1990, and had two daughters, Leah and Hannah. She devoted her life to her husband, children, grandchildren, large family, and many friends. She was a lifelong resident of the Lakeland area, and worked at Butler/Lonsdorf Dental for over 30 years.

Lil enjoyed many hobbies, including; bee keeping, glass blowing, soap making, beading, wool dyeing and spinning, creating dreamcatchers, crocheting, camping, bird watching, long walks, kayaking, diamond art, and playing Thursday dominoes with her beloved family elders. She was deeply spiritual and connected to nature. Above all, being with family was her life’s greatest joy.

Lil will be dearly missed by husband, Rick; children, Leah (Joey) Koenig and Hannah Van Goethem; mother, Jeanne Van Order; siblings, Laura Mendez, Bob Van Order, Louise (Tom) Caroselli, and Tom Van Order; eleven nieces and nephews; and a loving abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and pets.

Greeting Lil on her second journey is her father, William “Bill” Van Order; mother-in-law, Beverly Van Goethem; father-in-law, Richard Van Goethem; brother-in-law, Gary Mendez; aunts, Adrienne (Grundy) Eternicka and Joyce (Van Order) Franko; grandmother, Marion Grundy; and other beloved family members.

Lil will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and everyone who knew her. She had the ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. Her compassion, friendship, and warm spirit was truly a blessing. Lil would want us all to live our lives being kind, doing what makes our hearts happy, and focusing on all the simple blessings that surround us everyday.

Celebration of Life Services for Lil will be held on Saturday, June 11th at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel from 4:00 to 7:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Lakeland Pantry/HYF, PO Box 470, Woodruff, WI 54568.

The family of Lillian Van Goethem would like to personally thank the Howard Young Medical Center ICU nurses and staff for all the love, care, and compassion they provided.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.