Mary K. Lappen

Age 79, passed away Monday, May 19, 2003 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. Mary was born April 15, 1924 in Kaukauna, daughter of the late Walter “Mush” and Katherine (Dolan) Martzahl. Mary attended Outagamie County Teachers’ College and taught elementary school at various local schools. On September 14, 1944, she married Donald Lappen in Kaukauna; after forty-seven years of marriage, he preceded her in death on April 5, 1992.

Mary was a longtime and faithful member of St. Mary Parish and St. Aloysius Parish, and spent much of her time volunteering for church functions. She was also a member the Kaukauna Community Hospital Associates, St. Aloysius Ladies Society and was a past president of the Lady Knights of Columbus. Many will remember her as a ready volunteer at the Outagamie County Historical Society, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Paul Home.

Survivors include three children: Dennis (Deanna) Lappen of Tonka Bay, Minnesota; Beth (Craig) Smith of Butler, Pennsylvania; and Pam (Adam) Berry of Kimberly. Eight grandchildren complete the family circle: Christopher Lappen, Chloe Lappen, Kortni Smith, Haley Smith, Ryan Smith, Trevor Solberg, Alexis Berry, and Blayke Berry. She is further survived by a sister: Patricia Siebers of Kaukauna; a brother: Robert Martzahl of Kaukauna; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald in 1992, a daughter Kathy in 1968, a sister Lillian (Donald) Hopfensperger, a brother William (Dorothy) Martzahl, a sister-in-law Celia Martzahl, and a brother-in-law Richard Siebers.

The funeral liturgy for Mary will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2003 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Main Avenue at Ann Street in Kaukauna with Fr. David Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 – 7 PM and again at the church on Thursday from 10:30 AM until the hour of the service. Visiting hours will conclude on Wednesday with a parish prayer service at 7:00 PM.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter. The needs of her family always came before those of her own. She will be forever loved by all who knew her.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna 766-6200
www.fargofuneralhomes.com