Marcella Ann Wideman

Marcella A Wideman age 80, Appleton died Thursday November 15, 2018 at St. Elizabeth hospital.

Marcella was born February 11, 1938 in Richford Township Wisconsin to Otto and Alma Raatz. Marcella married her soul mate and love of her life John Wideman on July 7, 1962 and they were side by side until his passing in 2015. Marcella had a laugh that would make anyone smile, was a teacher for 35 years and a strong-willed lady who stood up for those who couldn’t and never gave up even if things got difficult. Marcella (Sally) was the person many went to for guidance and direction, she cared deeply for people and poured her heart and soul into her students, family and friends. She loved a good card game, a cold beer or bloody Mary, sweets, the outdoors and cherished her time traveling with John going for long rides especially out west to the mountains, or their annual trip along the Mississippi to see the eagle migration, spending weeks or months at Hartman Creek which included time resting in her hammock with a good book or cooking flapjacks for everyone including the park staff to enjoy. Marcella started teaching in a one room school house in Omro Junction then continued her career in the Appleton school district. While teaching Marcella was often assigned students who needed a bit of help catching up academically and some that just needed extra love and time due to their personal situations and Marcella gave it to them, her greatest joy was when a student would leave her class caught up even if it meant her coming in early, staying late or meeting with them over the weekend she gave them all she had. Aunt Sally was also always there for her nieces and nephews in good and bad times and loved each and every one of them. Marcella (Ma) raised two daughters and many “adopted” children to be strong, work hard for what you want, to be kind even if it wasn’t easy, to laugh and giggle and that a hot fudge sundae was the fix for almost any situation. Marcella continued to pass that knowledge on to one of greatest joys her granddaughter Tiffany Rose. Marcella spent many hours reading to her, playing with her and guiding her into adulthood, and then enjoyed her great grandchildren Kiera Rose and Trayce Chaffin. They loved to visit GG where she shared a big hug and her latest joke with them. Marcella spent the last years of her life at Manor Care in Appleton and loved the staff who she always said made her feel safe. They were kind and gentle during some of her hardest days and often sat holding her hand when she asked. Marcella made lasting friendships while there especially with her roommate Marge who treated her with kindness even on difficult dialysis days, Sally faced some challenging health issues but never gave up, she never complained and was an inspiration to all who watched her. Special thanks to all who made Macella’s last few days easier and those who have treated her along the way Dr. Ballard, Dr. Koeper, the amazing hospice team/dr/nurses at St. Elizabeth Hospital and the manor care staff for all they did.

Marcella will be sadly missed by her loving daughters Jeanette Stafford of Appleton and Jo Ann (Jon) Mignon of Brillion, her treasured granddaughter Tiffany Stafford and her children Kiera Rose and Trayce Chaffin, two sisters in law: Gloria Raatz of Wautoma and Betty Wideman Fremont, Richard Bordeaux of Oshkosh as well as her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband John Wideman, parents Otto and Alma (schmudlach) Raatz, her in laws, her siblings Mavis( Martin) Wedell, Rose (Martin) Pomplun, Orville Raatz, a nephew Mitchell Pomplun, a great nephew Jeremy Chaffin and John’s siblings Lorraine (Lowell) Wallers, James Wideman, and Jackie Bordeaux.

Funeral services will be held November 21 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Appleton with Pastor officiating. Burial will take place at Appleton Highlands Memorial Park and serving casket bears will be Robert Wedell, Jeff Raatz, Robert Chaffin, Christopher Bordeaux, Russel Pomplun, and Daniel Popple. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
(address) until the service time.

A memorial fund is being established.