Sylvia Noel Dannecker

Sylvia Noel Dannecker (Thoemke), age 85 of Appleton, Wisconsin was born to Eternal Life on September 25, 2023. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota to Tyson and Phyllis (Schallis) Thoemke on November 13, 1937. Sylvia graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota with the class of 1955. She met her future husband, Gene Dannecker, while bowling and they were married in September of 1958. Together they raised seven children who are the lasting legacy of their 65 years of marriage.

Sylvia was unwavering in her beliefs. She had a heart for service and for giving. She had a real love for children and for Jesus. She relished her decades of work as a crossing guard for Edison School in Appleton and wasn’t afraid to provide protection when cars didn’t stop. Sylvia was a devout Catholic and very involved in her community of St. Mary Parish in Appleton. She had a special love of Christmas serving as the driving force behind - and costume creator for - St. Mary’s Live Nativity for many years. She was a lifelong recycler extraordinaire, and engaged in upcycling long before it was trendy. Sylvia was passionate about America and her community and made her voice heard on important issues while encouraging others to also be informed and involved. She treasured photos of memorable occasions and sharing them - along with her passion for scrapbooks - with her family. Sylvia loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and sought to do what was best for them.

Sylvia is survived by her husband, Eugene; her children, Gregory (Janel), Steven (Terasa), Joseph (Mary), Peter (Cheryl), Barbra (Jeff) Kamholz, Marc (Debe), and Thomas; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her siblings, Phyllis, John, Peter, and Joe; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, Tyson and Phyllis; her siblings, David, Kathleen, Paul, and Mark; and her foster daughter, Micheline.

A funeral visitation will be held for Sylvia on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 9:30-10:30 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church 312 S State St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 10:30 AM. Sylvia will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery in Appleton following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Larry Gross Lewy Body Awareness Fund in honor of Sylvia.

Sylvia’s family would like to especially thank the wonderful staff at Silverado North Shore Memory Care for the genuine care and compassion they provided to Sylvia.

Sylvia loved to celebrate birthdays – with marble cake. It is fitting that her family and friends will gather to celebrate her birthday once again.

To make a donation to the Larry Gross Lewy Body Awareness Fund, please visit https://lewybodyawareness.org/donate/.