Patricia Ann Van Alphen passed away at home on Wednesday, December 19, 2012, after a long courageous battle with cancer.
She was born Patricia Ann Green on September 15, 1931 in Rock Island, IL. She was the only daughter of Walter Hurley Green and Helen May Ferris Green. On April 15, 1950 she married George Messner. Four children were born during that marriage. On December 21, 1976 she married Will Van Alphen from Holland. In 1995 they retired to Waupaca from Glenview, IL. She loved flowers and beautiful butterflies. She enjoyed watching football, especially the Green Bay Packers. Most of all, she loved her family and was very thankful for her husband and soul mate, Will, of 35 years.
Patricia is survived by her husband, Will; and her four children: Andrew John (Barbara) Messner of Morton Grove, IL; Cynthia Ann Messner of Waupaca; Dirk Ferris (Claudia) Messner of Gages Lake, IL; and Tina Diana (Mark) Luehne of Galesville, WI. Seven grandchildren: Robert, Michelle, John, Craig, Clayton, Elizabeth and Jean Claire. Patricia also had eight great-grandchildren: Andrew, Sophia, Ethan, Matthew, twins Mariah and Marshall, Ryken and Victoria. She is further survived by a sister-in-law, Patricia Graves Green; seven nieces and nephews: Terry, Theresa, Dawn, Skippy, Jim, Cathy and Mary. She will be sadly missed by her husband, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her only brother, Walter Hurley Green, Jr.
It was Patricia’s wish that no funeral or memorial services be held. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and thanks to Dr. Butkiewicz and his staff, Dr. Anderson, and all of the hospice staff for the excellent care they gave Patricia. The Maple Crest Funeral Home of Waupaca assisted the family with arrangements.