Donald R. Woelz

Donald Woelz, age 87 of Appleton, died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Friday, September 24, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Kaukauna on April 16, 1934, the son of the late William and late Ruby Woelz, and married Donna Wichman on June 9, 1956.

Don graduated from Kaukauna High School then attended DeVry University for electrical studies.  He was a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, spending time in Kaukauna, Peshtigo then finally settling in Appleton.

He worked for Thilmany Pulp & Paper as an electrician for 23 years and moved on to Scott Paper as an electrical foreman for 5 years.  He then worked for Fox River Paper as electrical power superintendent leading the Electrical and Instrumentation Department and all utilities until his retirement in 1993. During these times he also served as president of the International Maintenance Institute.

Don and Donna enjoyed their time at the cottage on Chute Pond.  Over the 52 years at the lake, they shared many happy memories with family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

He was involved in the Neville Public Museum Geology Club, holding the office of president.  Don had a hobby faceting gems, minerals and stones to create jewelry.  Don and Donna shared many wonderful times travelling with the geology club as well as cruises, train trips and bus trips.

Don is survived by Donna, his wife of 65 years;  3 sons:  Daniel (Gynnie) Woelz, David (Kelli) Woelz, and Douglas (Cheryl) Woelz.  2 grandchildren: Katie (Andy) Vieyra and Tayler (Tanner) Maulick; 2 step grandchildren:  Shannon (Todd) Butters and Heika (Trevor) Ulman.  He is further survived by 2 great-grandchildren: Cora and Lark; 7 step great-grandchildren:  Karsen, Brady, Sylvia, Kayla, Wyatt, Leeland, Landon, as well as many nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are two sisters: Marilyn (Jack) Jahnke and Lois (Ken) Brown; and a sister-in-law: Susan (Andy) Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Ruby Woelz, sister and brother-in-law Janice and George Nelson, brother-in-law Ike Madsen, father-in-law and mother-in-law Raymond and Irma Wichman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tom and Sharon Wichman.

The Christian Funeral Service for Don will be held Friday, October 1, 2021, 11:00 am at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, located at 930 E. Florida Avenue in Appleton.  Friends may call directly at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 am until the time of service.  A private entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to ThedaCare Hospice staff, Ken, Matt and “his Peggy” and the staff of Home Instead Home Care.