Eileen A. Gossens, age 82 of Clintonville passed away Wednesday morning, September 10, 2025 at Touchmark in Appleton.
Eileen was born in New London on September 7, 1943 as the daughter of the late Lawrence and Evelyn (Ritchie) Neely. As a young girl her family resided in the Bear Creek area where they were members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Eileen then moved to Clintonville and was united in marriage to James “Jim” Gossens on October 23, 1974. For over 33 years Eileen worked as a bookkeeper for Torborg’s Clintonville Lumber prior to her retirement. She was a faithful member of St. Rose Catholic Church where she enjoyed volunteering her time in various ways. Eileen and Jim enjoyed spending winters in Sebring, FL for over 20 years; making numerous friends and memories. Eileen was a talented artist and made a number of beautiful paintings throughout her life. She also was a seamstress and quite possibly the best hostess in town. Her favorite was hosting a themed Christmas party for her extended family for over 48 years. Eileen made many lifelong friendships over the years with her girlfriends; especially those in her bridge club, in Sebring, and even at Touchmark. Although Eileen never had children of her own she always loved and treated her nieces and nephews as though they were her children. She is now entrusted to our Lord’s care and reunited with Jim.
Survivors include: Her Nieces and Nephew: Lisa (Mike) Nass, Jeri (Jim Spelman) Yoder, Jacki (Steve) Johnson, Brad (Diana) Friis, Andrea (Chris) Melk, and Julie (Dan) Braun.
Numerous great-nieces & great-nephews, her special brother-in-law Mike Friis.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Evelyn Neely, husband James “Jim” Gossens in 2024, a brother Jerry Neely, a sister Karen Friis, a niece November “Nevy” Doty, a nephew Brian Neely, and a great-niece Teagan Yoder.
A Memorial Mass will be held for Eileen on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 11am at St. Rose Catholic Church in Clintonville with Fr. Timothy Shillcox O. Praem officiating. Inurnment will take place at St. Rose Cemetery also in Clintonville. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the church from 9am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established by Eileen’s family. They would like to thank her many friends, Touchmark, and St. Croix Hospice for all of their kindness. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting her family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com
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