Jill Susan (Dassler) Van Wyk of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026.
Jill was born on June 5, 1956, the first daughter of Jim and LaVonne Dassler, and she was their pride and joy. Eleven years later, the family welcomed another daughter, Kelly (Dassler) Hovey, whom Jill adored.
Jill attended Sheboygan South High School, and shortly after graduating, she met the love of her life, Steven Van Wyk. They were married on May 20, 1977, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. Soon after, Jill was diagnosed with Lupus, which would lead to seven joint replacements and many medical complications. Despite these setbacks, they were determined to build a family. It was that family that was the center of Jill’s world. Jill and Steve had two children, Shawn and Stacy. She was a devoted wife and mother, always present at school and sporting events for them. Known as the “classroom mom” while her children attended Cooper Elementary School, she continued volunteering for many years, always giving her time and energy to support others.
Jill loved tradition. From baking and decorating holiday cutouts, to making the family’s signature cranberry salad at Thanksgiving, to summer vacations at Hillers Pine Haven in St. Germain, these were the moments that brought her the greatest joy. She learned the importance of family and tradition from her mother and made sure these values were passed down to future generations.
When Jill’s beloved son, Shawn, passed away at the age of 29, a piece of her heart went with him. Despite the deep sorrow she carried, her enduring love for her family and the cherished memories they shared helped sustain her. Jill was passionate about keeping Shawn’s memory alive and devoted countless hours to organizing the Shawn Van Wyk Memorial Golf Outing. This annual event became the highlight of her year. She especially loved hearing stories about the impact Shawn had on others and treasured the many hugs she received from family and friends on that special day. The hundreds of cookies she baked each year for the occasion will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
The year after such a profound loss, Jill’s heart began to heal when she welcomed her first grandchild, Grace Lily, into the world. The pride and joy she felt were immeasurable, and her love and adoration for Grace were evident in everything she did. Two years later, she was blessed again with a grandson, Jack Shawn. To say these two were the loves of her life would be an understatement. Jill poured her heart into being “Grammy”—showering Grace and Jack with love, support, encouragement, and cherished family traditions. What was once her and her children gathered around the dining room table with frosting and sprinkles became her and her grandchildren, carrying those same sweet memories forward.
Jill’s greatest legacy was the love she shared with her family. She never took the love of her husband for granted; through all her health battles, he was her constant, her rock. Together, they shared an unwavering love that many never experience. Jill’s spirit will live on in the hearts of her husband, her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave and the joy she inspired will remain a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Jill is survived by her loving husband, Steve, who was not only the love of her life, but the most selfless and constant caretaker and companion; her daughter, Stacy (Jon) Backus, and her grandchildren, Grace and Jack; her sister, Kelly (Michael) Hovey; father in law Peter (Delores) Van Wyk and sisters in law Renee Van Wyk and Mary Van Wyk; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and LaVonne Dassler, her mother in law Luetta (Reggie) Barber, her brother in law Bill Van Wyk and sister in law Shelly Porten, her precious nephew Eli Hovey and her beloved son, Shawn Van Wyk.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1132 Superior Ave., Sheboygan, with Rev. Gregory Whelton officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the FUNERAL HOME.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions to the Shawn Van Wyk Memorial Foundation.
The family would like to thank the compassionate and caring staff of Sharon Richardson Community Hospice for the care they provided Jill.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family www.olsonfuneralhome.info.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jill’s arrangements.
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