Margitta Furnner

Margitta (Born) Furnner passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and began her journey to Heaven Sunday, October 25th, 2020, in Appleton. Gitta struggled with metastatic breast cancer for eight years and fought a courageous battle. The Cancer finally took over her body, robbed her of her strength, and she could fight it no longer.

Margitta was married for 29 years! As her husband, James says, “I am both blessed and humbled to have been her husband, as well as nearly five years together before our marriage. All I can say is what a wonderful and beautiful human being, inside and out. She had a heart and soul that caused people to love her and endeared her to everyone she met.”

Margitta was born November 9th, 1953, in Breidenbach, Germany, to Walter and Elfriede Born. With her Parents, Gitta immigrated in 1956 to Wisconsin. Gitta’s most proud moment was the birth of her son Nicholas. Gitta loved life and was most comfortable being around family, dear friends, water, boating, flowers, gardening, babies, and dogs, as well as in her kitchen with her prized commercial range and ovens. She loved wading in the Tomorrow River with her son and dog Lucy in tow. Gitta grew up on the river in Wisconsin Rapids and spent many hours kayaking and exploring the islands. Margitta was an accomplished baker and gourmet chef, and loved sharing her creations. She won the “Death by Chocolate“ competition in Appleton.

Margitta held various management and senior management positions around the Valley for notable companies. Upon early retirement, her dream job came into her life a year ago at Whisk ‘n Arrow Studio, a high-end sugar salon or bakery. Her Heaven on earth and a dream come true; it was great for her psyche, attitude, soul, and strongly contributed to her ability in continuing to fight the Cancer. It kept her mind clear of the Cancer and all related to it. Thank you, Nea Hahn, Kyra Phillips, and the rest of the wonderful team at Whisk ‘n Arrow. You all unknowingly gave her a jump in her step, a strong sense of purpose and support, as well as unending, understanding, unconditional love, and friendship! She truly loved being there and each one of you. Beyond a doubt, her Whisk ‘n Arrow experience added an extra year to her beautiful life. She was most fortunate to be a part of the team and routinely told everyone how much she loved it there! Thank you for impacting her life so much! It meant the world to her.

Her husband, James A. Furnner survives Margitta (Jim, Appleton), as well as her son Nicholas and fiancé (Connie Von Arx, both of Appleton), parents Walter and Elfriede Born (Wis Rapids), sister Heidi Born-Smith and brother-in-law Eric Smith (Wisconsin Rapids), Aunt Elisabeth Klappa (Wisconsin Rapids). Brother and sister-law Thomas E. Furnner and  Wife Pat (Pontiac, MI), Sister-in-law Susan J. Furnner (Scottsdale, AZ, and Neenah, WI) Borther-in-law Herbert Natker (Phoenix, AZ), four nieces, three nephews, and several cousins, along with many dear friends! Margitta was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Lina and Heinrich Halt, and her paternal grandparents Augusta, Heinrich Born, (both of Germany) as well as Father and Mother-in-law William Edward and May Ackley Furnner (Fond du Lac, WI).

The family would like to thank Dr. William Conkright, Medical Oncology, Crystal Guttman, APNP, Laura Briner, Dr. Nathan Munson, Radiation Oncology, Amy J. RN. Deb P, RN, Heather L. receptionist, and the fantastic staff at ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center in Appleton, WI. The family would also like to thank Dr. Wisinski and staff at the Carbone Cancer Center, part of the UW Madison Medical Center in Madison, WI. In addition, the family would also like to thank Dr. Anthony Eclavea, Interventional Radiology, and Beth R. RN, both at ThedaCare Appleton Campus (AMC), as well as Dr. James Bargenquast, Karen Kewley, PA Hospitalist, Alisha, RN, Meghan, RN, and Breanna, RN, and the rest of the 7th floor Oncology Care team. We express our heartfelt gratitude for their care and compassion. Godspeed Margitta!

Due to COVID 19, a private family service will be held Thursday, November 19th, as well as a simultaneous virtual broadcast and recorded for future viewing.

Margitta’s Virtual Memorial Service Link: https://www.facebook.com/MargittaFurnnerMemorialService/

The family has set up a memorial foundation per Margitta’s wishes with the American Cancer Society Mosaic web page at this link: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Margitta_Furnner

A Public Celebration of Margitta’s Life is being planned for late spring, early summer of 2021. Please check Margitta’s Facebook account as well as Nick’s, her sister Heidi’s, and her husband Jim’s for updates.