Scott E. Vannorsdall

Scott Vannorsdall passed away at a Madison Hospital on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the age of 55. He was born in Indiana on March 7, 1952, the son of Charles Vannorsdall and the late Earleen (Krackow) Vannorsdall. He graduated from high school while the family lived in Cary, North Carolina, and received degrees in German and in electrical engineering, both from Virginia Tech. Scott was proud to be a Hokie, and always had a great interest in following the events at the school. Following his marriage to Sue Peterson in 1978, the couple moved to the Niagara Falls area. After working there for a time, the couple relocated to New Hampshire with the plan of taking up the pastime of skiing. During their years in New Hampshire, their daughter Kim was born and a few years later, the family moved once again, this time to the Appleton area. It was at this time that Scott began work at Kimberly Clark Corporation. Scott and Sue took up sailing as a hobby, and enjoyed their annual participation in the Leukemia – Lymphoma Regatta which is held on Lake Winnebago. Sailing also brought them many dear friends, all of whom they hold close to their hearts today. Scott's illness forced both he and Sue to take leaves from their work this past August.

Scott is survived by his wife: Sue Vannorsdall of Appleton; a daughter: Kim Vannorsdall of Menasha and her friend Rob; his father: Charles Vannorsdall of Mount Pleasant, Michigan and his wife Suzanne; his father-in-law: Harold Peterson of Deerfield, Illinois and his wife Alice; and a brother-in-law: Scott (Gloria) Peterson of Whittier, California. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother, two aunts, and Sue's mother, Rosemary Peterson.

A memorial service for Scott will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Dottie Mathews officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that consideration be given to Scott's Million Dollar Challenge as a destination for memorial contributions.

Scott was a loving and devoted son, husband and father. Throughout this entire illness, he was always more concerned about how everyone else in his life was doing. He never, ever put concern for himself on his list of things to do. He simply set his example by living out his beliefs; beliefs that were instilled in him by his parents at a very young age. Many will remember Scott's special sense of humor. Even in the hospital, he had a knack for keeping the nurses and physicians laughing constantly.

Most importantly, though, Scott always maintained a positive attitude toward the cure. He never wavered from his belief that there is a cure out there. To that end, he even established the Million Dollar Challenge – an attempt to give everyone the opportunity to contribute to fundamental research.

Scott was a special man who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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