In Memory Of
Amanda Rae Van Eimeren
1985
2020
Amanda Rae Van Eimeren
September 5, 1985 — May 31, 2020
Amanda Rae Van Eimeren, 34, Lakewood, Colorado, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday May 31, 2020.
Amanda was born to Geoffrey and Cynthia Van Eimeren on September 5, 1985 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She worked as a Lead Revenue Auditor at the Ameristar Resort in Black Hawk, Colorado since November 2014.
She is survived by her parents Geoffrey and Cynthia, her sister and best friend Allison Van Eimeren; her partner Nicholas Johnson and their dog Leo; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Esther Van Eimeren; maternal grandmother Karen Hahn (Erik Hahn); Godfather and Uncle Christopher (Wendy) Van Eimeren; Aunt Elizabeth Van Eimeren; Aunt Christine Salzman (Donny Mosconi); Godmother and Aunt Carrie "punkie" (Darrell) Blanchard, Aunt Jessica (Tony) LaFave; Many Cousins, Second Cousins, Great Aunts and Great Uncles.
Amanda is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Patrick Salzman; great grandparents, Arthur and Julia Van Eimeren; Frederik and Cornelia Siegers; Clifton and Shirley Green; Anna and Fredrick Salzman.
Amanda was the first grandchild for both Joseph and Esther Van Eimeren and Karen Hahn and Patrick Salzman. Her grandparents cherished her throughout her life and she was very fortunate to have such loving grandparents.
Amanda entered the world as a fighter. Shortly after her birth, we learned she had a heart defect (Tricuspid Atresia). She was transferred immediately to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. At that time, we prayed that she would survive. She was a feisty one and after 5 days we were able to bring her home. At age 5 months Amanda had her first of two surgeries (Blalock Shunt), which created a pathway for blood to reach the lungs. This allowed her body to receive additional oxygen. She continued to amaze us with her energy. She loved to dance from an early age and would dance to the point where she would need to stop to allow herself to catch her breath. While she faced such challenges at this early stage of life, she was the bravest little girl, teaching us so much about inner strength. In 1989, at age 3 years - 10 months, Amanda underwent open heart surgery (Fontan procedure). This procedure involved redirecting additional blood flow from the lower body to the lungs. This surgery was a game changer for Amanda and after 3 ½ weeks in the hospital, she came home. She continued to thrive throughout her life. Every day with her on this earth was a blessing. We anticipated one day she may face related health challenges that could require additional surgery. Over the years the need never came. We never imagined that she would pass away in her sleep at the age of 34.
Amanda loved life and everyone that she shared it with. She was a good friend to all and loved to spend time with family and friends. She was wise beyond her years from an early age. She loved dogs, especially hers, Leo and her brother Brewer. She was intelligent, shy, loved reading and going to movies. Amanda also loved to travel and experience new things.
Amanda attended High School in Germantown, Wisconsin. After High School she attended the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. After College Amanda moved to Tucson, AZ. It was in Tucson that Amanda met Nicholas Johnson in 2011. Amanda and Nick moved to Lakewood, CO, with their dog Leo in 2014.
Amanda is eternally loved by her partner Nicholas Johnson and their dog Leo.
Over the past few days, distant and close friends have reached out to tell us what an impact Amanda had on their life. So many special and fun memories have been shared by family, friends and her very close work family. She was truly one of a kind and the world would be a better place with more people like her. Just ask anyone that knew her!
It is hard to imagine life without her on this earth, but we are comforted knowing that we have a very special angel in heaven.
We thank Dr. David Friedberg (Pediatric Cardiologist) for providing the best care to Amanda, until his retirement. We also thank Dr. Bert Litwin and the amazing staff at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin for performing the surgery that gave Amanda 34 amazing years of life.
A Celebration of Amanda's Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Amanda's Memory to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Heart Center or your charity of choice.
Amanda was born to Geoffrey and Cynthia Van Eimeren on September 5, 1985 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She worked as a Lead Revenue Auditor at the Ameristar Resort in Black Hawk, Colorado since November 2014.
She is survived by her parents Geoffrey and Cynthia, her sister and best friend Allison Van Eimeren; her partner Nicholas Johnson and their dog Leo; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Esther Van Eimeren; maternal grandmother Karen Hahn (Erik Hahn); Godfather and Uncle Christopher (Wendy) Van Eimeren; Aunt Elizabeth Van Eimeren; Aunt Christine Salzman (Donny Mosconi); Godmother and Aunt Carrie "punkie" (Darrell) Blanchard, Aunt Jessica (Tony) LaFave; Many Cousins, Second Cousins, Great Aunts and Great Uncles.
Amanda is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Patrick Salzman; great grandparents, Arthur and Julia Van Eimeren; Frederik and Cornelia Siegers; Clifton and Shirley Green; Anna and Fredrick Salzman.
Amanda was the first grandchild for both Joseph and Esther Van Eimeren and Karen Hahn and Patrick Salzman. Her grandparents cherished her throughout her life and she was very fortunate to have such loving grandparents.
Amanda entered the world as a fighter. Shortly after her birth, we learned she had a heart defect (Tricuspid Atresia). She was transferred immediately to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. At that time, we prayed that she would survive. She was a feisty one and after 5 days we were able to bring her home. At age 5 months Amanda had her first of two surgeries (Blalock Shunt), which created a pathway for blood to reach the lungs. This allowed her body to receive additional oxygen. She continued to amaze us with her energy. She loved to dance from an early age and would dance to the point where she would need to stop to allow herself to catch her breath. While she faced such challenges at this early stage of life, she was the bravest little girl, teaching us so much about inner strength. In 1989, at age 3 years - 10 months, Amanda underwent open heart surgery (Fontan procedure). This procedure involved redirecting additional blood flow from the lower body to the lungs. This surgery was a game changer for Amanda and after 3 ½ weeks in the hospital, she came home. She continued to thrive throughout her life. Every day with her on this earth was a blessing. We anticipated one day she may face related health challenges that could require additional surgery. Over the years the need never came. We never imagined that she would pass away in her sleep at the age of 34.
Amanda loved life and everyone that she shared it with. She was a good friend to all and loved to spend time with family and friends. She was wise beyond her years from an early age. She loved dogs, especially hers, Leo and her brother Brewer. She was intelligent, shy, loved reading and going to movies. Amanda also loved to travel and experience new things.
Amanda attended High School in Germantown, Wisconsin. After High School she attended the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. After College Amanda moved to Tucson, AZ. It was in Tucson that Amanda met Nicholas Johnson in 2011. Amanda and Nick moved to Lakewood, CO, with their dog Leo in 2014.
Amanda is eternally loved by her partner Nicholas Johnson and their dog Leo.
Over the past few days, distant and close friends have reached out to tell us what an impact Amanda had on their life. So many special and fun memories have been shared by family, friends and her very close work family. She was truly one of a kind and the world would be a better place with more people like her. Just ask anyone that knew her!
It is hard to imagine life without her on this earth, but we are comforted knowing that we have a very special angel in heaven.
We thank Dr. David Friedberg (Pediatric Cardiologist) for providing the best care to Amanda, until his retirement. We also thank Dr. Bert Litwin and the amazing staff at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin for performing the surgery that gave Amanda 34 amazing years of life.
A Celebration of Amanda's Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Amanda's Memory to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Heart Center or your charity of choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Amanda Rae Van Eimeren, please visit our flower store.
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