Christiana Ju Van Grinsven, our precious CJ, age 21 of Appleton, WI, passed away unexpectedly on October 28th, where she was welcomed into the arms of her loving Jesus Christ.

Christiana was born on September 12, 2005, in Hengyang China, and she was welcomed into the hearts of the Van Grinsven family on February 5, 2007. She is survived by her loving parents, John and Mary Jo Van Grinsven, and her two older sisters, Nicole and Danielle Van Grinsven, along with Joey, her cherished dog. Other family members she leaves behind are her Grandpa, Don Van Grinsven; several aunts, and uncles: Brenda Murphy, Nancy (Karl) Stubenvoll, Mark Becker, Marcy Becker, Laura Becker, Mark (Karie) Van Grinsven, Tom (Jane) Van Grinsven, Mary (Steve) O’Connor, Jane (Matt) Demet. She is also survived by her Great Aunt Bonnie as well as many cousins. She was also loved early by her Hunan Sisters who she started her life within China. Melia Dienst, Anna Scott, Joyanna Reitnauer, Maya Reetz, Hannah Eller, Bethany Diment, Hannah Barrineau, Krystani Quinn, Virgina Lander, and their families. Special friends Mei Fetter, and Katie Karrow.

She is preceded in death by Grandpa Gene Becker, Grandma Jody Becker, Michael Becker, Grandma Patsy Van Grinsven, and Madeline Demet.

Christiana grew up in Appleton, WI where she attended the Kimberly area schools and graduated from Kimberly High School in 2024. She had a passion for helping others; she volunteered at Exceptional Equestrians with special needs children, Children’s ministry at the church where she attended, and at Harbor House.

Christiana lived her life deeply rooted in her love for Jesus. This was beautifully demonstrated in the way she loved everyone, and everything around her. Christiana loved her family deeply, and she showed that love through her unwavering devotion and her willingness to do anything she could for her dad, mom, and two older sisters. She had a special way of loving everyone and everything. Her life was filled with a passion for elephants, and unicycling. She was known in the community as “the unicycle girl” as she rode all over the Kimberly/Appleton area waving at everyone she saw. Christiana had a special passion for working with and helping special needs children. Her passion for art kept her constantly creating new things from jewelry, clay figures, drawings, and most recently writing her life story.

Christiana was a creative artist, Class A pianist, highly intelligent, gifted at horseback riding, and an accomplished unicyclist. Christiana also had a natural talent for photography, capturing nature. She had a gift for making sure that everyone always felt comfortable and loved. CJ’s greatest quality was her infinite compassion for others. CJ lived her life in “fun country,” always entertaining, full of jokes, and silliness. Her loyalty was unwavering, and her willingness to give anything she had was the way she lived her life. Whether she was surrounded by family, spending time with friends, or meeting a stranger, Christiana greeted everyone with a warm smile, and her sweet, kind, and genuine personality shone brightly, touching the hearts of everyone she met.

The celebration of Christiana’s life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Christ the Rock Community Church, located at W6254 US Highway 10-114, Menasha, WI 54952. Visitation will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. A small reception will follow the service as family and friends gather to honor and celebrate Christiana’s beautiful life and the lasting impact she made on all who knew and loved her.

In honor of Christiana, memorial contributions may be made to Exceptional Equestrians via a check or on their website. Whether check or website, please make sure to mention Christiana’s name in the memo. Christiana had a heart for Exceptional Equestrians because this is where she did Equine Therapy- horseback riding, as well as volunteering.

If by check- please make the payment to:

Exceptional Equestrians

1120 Orlando Dr.

De Pere, WI 54115

Christiana’s favorite motto she created was: “Life is like unicycling, it’s hard at first but once you find your balance it’s great!”

Christiana Ju Van Grinsven

September 12, 2005 - October 28, 2026

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