Jerriann Ehlers Van Epern

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Jerriann Ehlers Van Epern, who passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, surrounded by her three daughters. She lived her life with strong faith, boundless love for her family, and a spirit that made every day special.

Jerriann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She poured her heart into nurturing those around her, raising her children with love and dedication, and generously volunteering her time as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, and school volunteer. Nothing brought her more joy than her family, and she cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.

In more recent years, Jerriann and her husband, Steve, found great happiness in their adventures together. They spent winters in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, welcoming family to visit and creating unforgettable memories. Summers were filled with fishing trips on Lake Michigan with their beloved boat, Dolce Vita. No matter where she was, Jerriann had a gift for turning ordinary moments into cherished experiences, ensuring that holidays, trips, and even simple weekends were filled with love and joy.

Even after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer over 7 years ago, Jerriann continued to embrace life with strength, faith, and a heart full of love. She traveled, celebrated, and continued to be a devoted mother and grandmother. Her faith in Christ guided her through every challenge.

Jerriann is survived by her loving husband, Steven Van Epern; her daughters Jillene (Jordan) Juday, Alissa (Robert) Ehlers Sauer, and Renee Ehlers; her stepchildren Calloway (Toni) Van Epern and Wesley (Aundrea) Van Epern; and her cherished grandchildren Tegan, Tenzin, Beckham, Malcolm, Abram, Taylor, and Bryce. She is also survived by her siblings Cathy (Mathew) Dokoupil, Mike (Kim) Thornell, Julie Thornell, and Tim (Cheryl) Thornell, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Paul Lee Ehlers, with whom she raised a loving family before his passing, and her parents, Jerry Charles Thornell and Janice Ann Thornell.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 Grand Chute Blvd., beginning with a visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. A reception at Appleton Alliance will follow the service, providing an opportunity for guests to gather and remember Jerriann together. Later in the afternoon, a Celebration of Life will be held at Butte des Morts Country Club from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Paul L. Ehlers and Jerriann Ehlers Van Epern Memorial Fund.

As Jerriann takes her place in Heaven, we remember these words from one of her favorite songs, Untitled Hymn by Chris Rice:
"And with your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side."

Jerriann’s love, faith, and warmth will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.