Schaetz, Ellen IreneEllen I. Schaetz, age 89, of Freedom, passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family on Sunday, October 23, 2016. She was born on October 1, 1927, daughter of the late John and Christina (Gelroth) Hock. On September 2, 1944, Ellen married Robert J. Schaetz at St. Boniface Catholic Church in De Pere. They moved to Freedom in 1956, and together with their family, ran the farm. Ellen was also the co-owner of Royal Clothing in Kaukauna for 25 years. She enjoyed traveling, camping, bowling, dancing and was a dedicated member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church for 60 years. Ellen also loved any time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.Ellen is survived by her four sons: Dennis Schaetz, Darold Schaetz, and Joseph Schaetz, all of Freedom; Steve (Tammy) Schaetz, Utah; four daughters: Diane Geurts, Kaukauna; Joy (Dan) Rickert, Virginia; Kari (Dale) Liebergen, Freedom; and Kathy Igoe, Freedom; 14 grandchildren: Rick (Joanna) Geurts, Connie (Ken) Zirbel, Rob Geurts, Roy (Sun) Geurts, Ben (Dani) Rickert, Andrew Rickert, Sarah (Jay) Oestereich, Stacy (Aaron Washa) Koch, Ian Schaetz, Craig Liebergen, Dana Liebergen, Jodi Liebergen, Jessica (Tanner) Jepsen, and Joshua Igoe; 15 great grandchildren: Connor and Tristan Geurts; Chad (Karissa), Max, Cole, and Abby Zirbel; Bailey and Brianna Geurts; Caitlyn, Lydia, and Camryn Oestereich; Devyn and Dariyan Koch; Hunter Washa and Cordelia Rickert; a sister-in-law, Lillian (Don) Bouche; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents, John and Christina; a son-in-law, Dick Geurts; brothers: John (Zilda) Hock, Henry (Maria) Hock, Edward (Caroline) Hock, and William (Marge) Hock; sisters: Molly (Vincent) Vanenkenvort, Esther (Lloyd) Ingelbritsen, Elizabeth (Rollen) Pischke, Leona (Jack) Renkens, Gladys (Ralph) Murphy, and two infant brothers. She was also preceded in death by several of Robert's siblings. Visitation will be held at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Freedom Location, N3972 Columbia Ave., Freedom, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2016. Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 County Road S, Freedom, on Friday. Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.The Schaetz family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff on Primrose Lane at the St. Paul Home for their wonderful care given to Ellen. Also to Deacon Don Newhouse for the many years of friendship and your sincere, compassionate care.