Arlynne "JoAnn" Van Cuyk

Arlynne “JoAnn” (Naumann/Milis) Van Cuyk, age 92 of Seymour, WI passed away on June 15, 2024. She was born to Elmer and Frieda (Koehler) Naumann on May 26, 1932 in Green Valley, WI. She graduated from Pulaski High School with the class of ’50. JoAnn married her first love, Charles J. Milis in June of 1952 and together, they raised 7 wonderful children before his passing in 1992. Some years later, she found love again with Joseph Van Cuyk. They were married in June of 1996, combining their families together for nearly 4 years before his passing in 2000.

If anything could be said about JoAnn, it was that she was a hard worker with a heart of gold. She took her job as a homemaker and professional mother seriously. She was a Lutheran Girl’s Pioneer leader in her younger years and continued the engagement in church community activities as a member of the Mount Calvary Lutheran Ladies Aid Group. She worked countless hours making wood alongside her “Wood Chuck”. She was a fantastic cook and always had a big meal ready at the table at dinnertime. The smell of freshly baked cakes and pies were present at many family gatherings. Many jars of awesome jams and jellies were created and shared from JoAnn’s kitchen. Caramels were another special treat that she shared with family, friends and at bake sales. A Christmas cookie favorite was her pfeffernusse – a family tradition that will live on for generations to come. Many Christmas celebrations involved the sharing of the family favorite Cherry Bounce. JoAnn ironed everything from work shirts to bed sheets, so everything was beautifully pressed. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and mending articles of clothing for her family. She also enjoyed gardening in her free time and was particularly proud of her irises. She spent many years and Autumn days working at Star Apple Orchard, ensuring apple pies and family ties to nature were appreciated. More than anything, though, JoAnn cherished every moment she could spend with her family and was so proud of the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she helped to raise.

JoAnn will be deeply missed by her children, Charles Jr Milis, Debbie Milis, Diane (Jim) Roberts, Cheryl (Jim) Brockman, Michele (Joe) Fernandez, and Lisa (Jeff) Miron; her daughter-in-law, Robin Milis; her 12 grandchildren; her 17 great-grandchildren; her sister, Mavis (Ken); her sister-in-law, Laverna; blended family members, Gary (Julie) Van Cuyk, Mark (Paula) Van Cuyk, and Mary Jo (Dave) Dachelet; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her 2 husbands; 5 brothers; 3 sisters; her son, David J. Milis; her grandson, Brendan C. Miron; and her granddaughter, Andrea M. Horn

A memorial visitation will be held for JoAnn from 9-11 AM on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM.  JoAnn will be laid to rest with her first husband, Charles at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI following the service.  

JoAnn’s family would like to extend a special thanks to all the special people in her life that saw the warmth in her eyes, the gentleness of her touch and the beauty of her smile. Life is short, enjoy each and every day.