Rita A. Gatz

Ritz Gatz, age 81 of Kaukauna passed away peacefully with family by her side on September 11th, 2022 at Country Villa in Little Chute.  She was born in Kaukauna on December 30, 1940. the daughter of the late Norbert and Agnes Kilgas. She was a 1959 graduate of Kaukauna High School and a member of the Alumni committee. Rita was also a lifelong member of St. Katharine Drexel (St. Mary’s) Parish in Kaukauna. 

Rita was a devoted wife to her husband David Gatz whom she married on February 14, 1969 on Valentine's Day. They shared 40 years together until his passing in 2010.

Rita enjoyed raising and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She adored her time with them and will be missed greatly by those she loved the most.  She liked getting together with her friends for dinner and a movie and enjoyed walking, riding her bike, and an occasional visit to the casino. Rita made an impact on everyone she came into contact with by lighting up a room with her smile, personality, and wit.

She is survived by and will be dearly missed by her six children and their families; daughter Debi Schumann Williamsen, husband Robert, children Jessie Gibby (Will), Alexandra Lackey (Spencer), Samantha Feigt (Shawn), and Charlie Williamsen; son Tom Schumann and wife Kathy, children Mandy Ruys, Lacey Gasperini (Kyle), Cole, Chloe and Braylee Schumann, Justin, Devan, Kyle (Rebecca) and Brooke Seehawer; son Brian Schumann, wife Julie, children Jamie (Amilee), Brian Junior (Oksana) and Amber Boehnlein (Adam); son Dan Schumann, wife Sharon, children Travis (Chelsea), Alyssa Miller (Andy), Chelsey Lyons (Caleb), Clarissa VanderHeiden (Tyler)­­, Brady Calmes (Alexis), Kearsten Calmes; daughter Becky Gatz Everts, husband Steve, children Shaun (Ashley), Erika Hutterer (Luke), Taylor, and Mason; daughter Tracy Gatz Froseth, husband Shane, children Logan and Joel; special friend Roger King.

She is also survived by many great-grandchildren, Dawson and Briar Gibby, Kenli Lackey, Jaida, Brystal, Phoenix, Marley and Kacek Feigt, Tristin and Kendra Ruys, Jayce Schumann, Atlas and Aliyah Seehawer, Kolten and Emmitt Seehawer, Tukkor Ropski, Mya and Mycah Boehnlein, Leeana Schumann, Quinn, Jaxon and Theadosia Schumann, Lincoln and Lainee Miller, and Eleanor and Colton Calmes.

Rita is also survived by her sister, Joan Gerow.  She is preceded in death by her husband David Gatz, parents Norbert and Agnes Kilgas, brother Dale Kilgas, sister Mary Ellen Rewey, brother Dave Kilgas, and brother Don Kilgas.

There will be a time of visitation on Thursday September 15, 2022 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Wichmann Fargo Funeral Home (400 W Wisconsin Ave, Kaukauna, WI 54130).  There will also be a visitation on Friday September 16, 2022 beginning at 9:00am at St. Katharine Drexel (119 W. 7th St, Kaukauna, WI 54130) with an 11:00 AM funeral liturgy.  Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery (1201 Buchanan Road in Kaukauna) at 2:00 PM.

The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to Jenna from Care Patrol and to the staff of Country Villa for their loving kindness and devotion in the care they showed to Rita. Their daily patience, concern, undivided attention, and companionship will forever be in our hearts.  They went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that she received the best care possible.  They all became like family to Rita, and the love and nurturing care they provided truly gave comfort to not only Rita, but to her entire family.  The unwavering support and guidance that they provided will always be remembered. The entire staff were angels to Rita and the family. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Rich Engle from Shepherd’s Care Community Outreach for his spiritual support and kindness the past year. Further, the family would like to recognize Moments Hospice for the care they gave to Rita.