Ervida (Carpenter) Van Straten, age 81, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and sustained by her enduring faith.
Born on June 22, 1944, in De Pere, Wisconsin, Ervida was the daughter of Donald Eugene and Phyllis Estelle (Harein) Carpenter. She was raised on the family dairy farm. Ervida was baptized and confirmed at First United Presbyterian Church. She graduated from West De Pere High School and continued her education at Outagamie County Teachers College and Wisconsin State College–Oshkosh, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Upper Elementary Education.
Ervida met Daniel Glen Van Straten at a Halloween dance in 1965 and a caring courtship blossomed. On October 25, 1969, they married, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than five decades. Together they built a home filled with faith, family traditions, and unconditional love.
Teaching was Ervida’s calling. She taught at Shiocton Grade School from 1964 to 1971, where many of Daniel’s nieces and nephews had the privilege of being among her students. After the birth of her children, she chose substitute teaching so she could be available for her family while continuing the work she loved. She served as a substitute teacher for the Sheboygan Area School District from 1980 until 2008, often working as much as a full-time teacher. Her love of education never faded, and she touched the lives of countless students throughout her career.
Faith was at the center of Ervida’s life. In 1974, she became a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Sheboygan, where she faithfully served for many years. She was active in Esther Circle and Women’s Guild, served as a scripture reader, played handbells, helped serve meals to those in need, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity projects. Her faith was not simply something she believed—it was something she lived every day.
Above all else, Ervida loved her family. She had a devoted marriage and supported Daniel throughout his librarian career. She was blessed with two children, Kaye Ervida and Kurt Daniel, and never missed an opportunity to support them in their activities and celebrate their accomplishments. She was equally grateful for her extended family, including her daughter-in-law, Kurt’s wife, Jamie, who loved to cook and bake for Mom, and Kaye’s partner, Kimm, who shared many treasured conversations with “Mama Van” that were filled with laughter. She loved her grandson, Kurt’s son, Eric, and her greatest wish for him was happiness and success.
Ervida found joy in life’s simple pleasures and family traditions. She looked forward to class reunions and Van Straten family reunions, and cherished countless trips to Door County, first staying in cottages and later camping in the family camper. She also enjoyed camping close to home at Kohler-Andrae State Park, sitting around the campfire, eating s’mores, and spending time relaxing with those she loved. At home, Ervida utilized Daniel’s garden produce to make good food – cucumber salads, chocolate chip zucchini bread and many different rhubarb desserts were favorites. Her family loved her other specialties too – apple crisp, applesauce bread, and Grandma Cecelia Van’s Christmas sugar cookies. She was an enthusiastic fan of the Green Bay Packers and liked watching Survivor, The Amazing Race, her favorite soap operas, Hallmark movies and game shows. Saturday nights were movie nights with Daniel’s homemade popcorn. She enjoyed reading, doing the daily newspaper puzzles, coloring on the Happy Color app—which she always told Kaye was “very addicting”—and keeping up with the lives of family and friends through phone calls, visits, and Facebook. She loved attending church services, driving along the shores of Lake Michigan, watching Sheboygan’s parades and fireworks, and finding joy in the everyday moments that made life special.
In the last year of her life, Ervida faced a difficult health journey. Though she often spoke of wishing for her earthly struggles to end sooner, her family came to believe that God was teaching her one final lesson—patience. Through it all, she was sustained by the love of her family, her friends, and her faith.
While her illness was tough to watch, her family is profoundly grateful for the precious time they were given together, which allowed the opportunity to share memories, express gratitude, offer comfort, and say all the things that mattered most. Ervida’s wish for peace was finally granted and she passed away quietly in her sleep, with her daughter by her side.
Ervida was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Larry Carpenter, as well as Daniel’s parents (Aloysius and Cecelia) and many of his brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Daniel; her children, Kaye and Kurt; her daughter-in-law, Jamie; Kaye’s partner, Kimm; her grandson, Eric; and many other relatives, friends, former students, and members of her church family who will cherish her memory.
Family and friends may gather at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2114 Wedemeyer Street, Sheboygan on Thursday June 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Jeremy Hylen will officiate. Burial to follow in the Sunrise Memorial Garden.
Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that the faith she carried throughout her life has now brought her to her heavenly home, and that she rests peacefully in God’s eternal care.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who supported Ervida throughout her health journey, which include the staff of HSHS Home Care, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital, Meadow View Health Services, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. Their kindness and care brought comfort not only to Ervida, but to her family.
The family would also like to offer special loving thanks to Ervida’s dear friend, Agnes, whose love and friendship meant the world to Ervida and her family.
Even in her struggles, Ervida continued to touch the lives of those she met. She was just that special. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. As her husband Daniel said, so simply, “She will never be forgotten.”
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