Elaine (Vanden Avond) De Greef

Elaine (Vanden Avond) De Greef, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025. She was born on May 7, 1939 to Ben and Lucy (Mellen) Vanden Avond. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1957. On June 28, 1958, Elaine married Harvey De Greef. Together they owned and operated De Greef Small Engine in Bellevue since 1964.

Some of Elaine's favorite pastimes were her vegetable garden, flowers, watching birds from the living room window, baking and doing crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed golfing in a women's league, going up north to their cottage at Twin Bridge and going to casinos. Elaine loved to listen and dance to polka music, especially the Mark Jirikovec Band and the Hayes Boys Polka Band. She has close friends through the Bellevue Snow Diamond Club that her and Harvey are members of. Everyone that knew her, enjoyed her great sense of humor!

Elaine's legacy lives on through Harvey, husband of 67 years; two daughters, Deb (Marty) Ragen and Sue (Chris) Kaminski; three sons: Dennis (Julie), Randy (friend Shelley) and Mark (fiancé Pam) De Greef; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren with one on the way in October. She is also survived by her sister, Marie (John) Skaletski and many nieces and nephews.

Elaine was preceded in death by her son, Ricky De Greef; her parents, Ben and Lucy Vanden Avond; sisters and brothers-in-law: Doris (Marvin) De Grave, Marion (Bob) Liebmann and Marilyn Vanden Avond; brother, Bernard (Dorothy) Vanden Avond and his special friend, Mary Hayden. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws, Henry and Eva (Kmiechek) De Greef; and nieces and nephews.

Elaine's wishes were that there are no funeral services. Newcomer - Green Bay is assisting with the family. Entombment will be at Nicolet Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to thank Bellin Hospital and Unity Hospice for the compassion given to us at this difficult time.