Eleanor (Ellie) Van Asten (Honkomp) was called home by God on Monday, June 29th, 2015, at the age of 87.The fifth child of Charles & Margaret Honkomp, Ellie was born in Iowa in 1928. When she was two years old, her family moved to Vesper, WI. During the Great Depression, her family moved to Wisconsin Rapids, where Ellie would attend and graduate from SS Peter & Paul Catholic Grade School, and Lincoln High School.While working as a bookkeeper at Staub Electric in Wisconsin Rapids, Ellie met Alois (Al) Van Asten, and in 1948 they were married at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church. The following year they moved to Rudolph, WI and started a family.The home Ellie & Al built across the street from St. Philip's Catholic Church is where they raised their six sons and lived for the next 60 years. For the past seven years Ellie & Al have lived in Wisconsin Rapids.An exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ellie leaves behind a great legacy and many fond memories. She takes with her a terrific sense of humor.Ellie is survived by Al, her husband of nearly 67 years; her six sons, Gene ("T"), Appleton; John (Patti), Rudolph; Robert (Char), Appleton; Jeffrey (Krista), Kimberly, WI; Kirk (Gwen), Wisconsin Rapids; and Kelly (Betty), Appleton. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren (plus one more on the way!), and her sister Veronica Henke (Wisconsin Rapids).Ellie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Marie Hirn, her brothers Andrew, Ray, Al, Stanley, and Marvin Honkomp, and her daughter-in-law Alice (John).Ellie had many good friends - some who have gone on before her, and a few who are still here to help us celebrate and remember a truly wonderful woman.Family & friends are invited to visit at Ritchay Funeral Home, 1950 12th Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM Wednesday, July 1st, and at St. Philip's Catholic Church, 6957 Grotto Ave, Rudolph, WI 54475 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM Thursday, July 2nd. At 11:00 AM Thursday there will be a mass of Christian burial led by Father David Bruener, followed by a graveside service at All Souls Cemetery, Rudolph.

Appleton Post Crescent Jun 30 2015