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Theresa Tilton

Theresa Doornink Vandenberg Tilton was born on April 25, 1913 In Baldwin, Wisconsin and went in peace to wait for her Lord on  October 07, 2012.  She was the daughter of Willie and Hattie (Hop) Doornink.  Theresa was baptized at the Christian Reformed Church, and attended the Baldwin Christian School, where she graduated the 8th grade. She has been a faithful member of the First Reformed Church for the last 79 years.
On June 28 she was united in marriage to Eddie Independence Vandenberg.  To this union they were blessed with 3 children: Dale Leon, Joyce Elaine, and Robin Rae.  Eddie passed away on April 2, 1956, (the day after Easter) at their farm  in Woodville, Wisconsin.
Theresa lived on her home-place for 44 years, then moved into town and built a home next to her parents on Franklin Street, where she lived for the next 42 years.  Theresa worked for her son in the restaurant business where she met Newton Tilton.  They were married on November 5, 1960. The happy couple were only married 5 years when Newt passed away from a massive heart attack in December of 1965.  In 1996 she made the decision to sell her home and move to the Birchwood Apartments.  She loved to travel and enjoyed vacationing with her sister-in-law.  Tress worked for several Baldwin residents cleaning homes and was the janitor at the Baldwin Clinic for over 20 years, She was always able to make ends meet.
Theresa was very active in the community, she was the founder of the Pine Lake 4-H club and a leader there for 20 years. A proud member of Botany Belles for many years, raising beautiful flowers and also selling them to the Baldwin Greenhouse and an active member of St. Croix County Homemakers for over 85 years. She was honored as the longest active member in Wisconsin and possibly the longest active member in the U.S. She was busy in Senior Citizens, and the President of the resident council at the care center, where she resided.  You could always count of Tress in a time of need and she had a loyal dedication to her family and friends.
Theresa will be deeply missed by her family; Children: Dale Vandenberg (RosaMae ) of Leesburg Fla., Joyce DeJoy (Jack) of Prior Lake, Mn., and Robin Hudson (Ralph) of Baldwin Wi.   granddaughters,  grandsons,  Great grand children, and  great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by Her parents, Willie and Hattie Doornink, Husbands, Eddie Vandenberg and Newton Tilton, Granddaughter, Toni Rae Millerand her beloved sister Elva Bakker.
Funeral service for Theresa will be at 11AM on Wednesday October 10 at First Reformed Church in Baldwin. Burial will follow in the Baldwin Cemetery. Casket bearers are her granddaughters: Cindy Odahlen, Denise Bakken, Beverly Sargent, Kelly Smith, Danni Jones and Heather Hudson.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church on Wednesday. Memorials preferred. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.  715.684.3434