Elberta M. Vorpahl

Age 84, was called home to Jesus’ side on Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the Appleton Medical Center. She was born July 16, 1920 in Appleton, daughter of the late Ignatius and Mary (Goehler) Bourassa. On June 1, 1940, she married Leonard Vorpahl; he preceded her in death on December 17, 1997. For many years, she and Leonard owned and operated Vorpahl Furniture in Appleton. Elberta was also a longtime and faithful member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Appleton where she was a former member of the Ladies Aid. Many will also recall her as an expert gardener, a wonderful cook, and a talented crafter. Since 2001, Elberta enjoyed the companionship of Rev. William Edge, whom she met at Touchmark. He passed away in 2004.

Elberta is survived by her four sons: Robert (Althea) Vorpahl of Eureka, California and their children Victoria and Joseph (Theresa); Dennis (Kathy) Vorpahl of Greenville and their children Renee (Mike), Erin (Jeff), Karen (Bret), and Vickie; Steven (Angela) Vorpahl of Concord, California and their sons Benjamin and Andrew; and Timothy (Shaunna) Vorpahl and their children Elisa, Christopher, and Karl. She is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren: Steve (Katrina), Tracy, Melissa, Jonathan, Alex, Chloe, Jake, Hunter, Chase, Brianna, Brady, Kendra, and Austin; a great-great-granddaughter: Ameerah Lynn; two sisters: Dolores Wittman of Kimberly and Ardell McCarthy of Appleton; three sisters-in-law: Myrna Wolfgram of Appleton, Ellen Bourassa of South Carolina, and Ivy Bourassa of Kimberly. Elberta is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by brothers Willard (Myrtle) Bourassa, Kenneth Bourassa, and Leo Bourassa; sisters Adis (Jim) Van Gompel and an infant sister LaVerne; and brothers-in-law Frank “Butch” Wittman and Emmett McCarthy.

The Christian Funeral for Elberta will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 12, 2005 at ST. PAUL EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 302 North Morrison Street in Appleton with Rev. John Baumann officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again Thursday at the church from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to mom’s many dear friends and the staff members at Touchmark on Propsect – you meant the world to her. Thanks also to the entire staff at the Appleton Medical Center, especially to those in the ICU. We realize that you are all very special people, and we very much appreciated your care, compassion, and understanding during mom’s stay. Your kindness will never be forgotten by our family.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231