Vanessa Caroline Kutzleb

Vanessa Caroline Kutzleb, age 38, was tragically taken from this world on Friday, May 12, 2023. Vanessa was a light in the world, and her candle is extinguished too soon. She was born on September 12, 1984 in Portsmouth, Virginia at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Vanessa was a big sister to Jordann whom she loved dearly and was excited they finally lived closer to one another after many years apart. She was a proud fur-mommy to Harvey Bunnycakes her cat, and Diamond her beagle. Vanessa was always one to care for the underdogs in life, and she rescued both animals. She would often say, “they are my soul.”

She was an outstanding dental assistant for 19 years. Her patients, especially the children she treated, loved her approach and compassion towards them. Vanessa’s ability to come down to a scared child’s level made patients feel at ease. She loved being around children, they never expected anything from her and always brought her joy. She would comfort them at their most vulnerable time. She was currently enrolled in college, pursuing her dream of becoming a Hygienist.

Vanessa embodied her name (Greek: “butterfly”). She was a free spirit who only wanted to be loved. We know she would have made a wonderful wife and loving mother. Though her life was filled with grief, mainly at the hands of others, her incredible willpower allowed her to rise from the brokenness time and time again, like a Phoenix from fire’s ashes. She lived life on her terms. Her heart was a golden orb of sunshine and warmth. Her smile was infectious; she possessed a quirky sense of humor. You could easily tease her, and she would come right back at you without missing a beat. 

Vanessa will be sadly missed by so many; her loving parents Kevin and Catherine Kutzleb (Pickerel, WI); her sister Jordann Badel (Weston, WI) and former Brother-in-Law Eduardo Badel Ramos (Monteria - Córdoba – Colombia). Her grandparents; Jerome and Dolores Bodmer (Appleton, WI) and William and Darlene Page (Leander, TX). Her aunts and uncles Carly and Thomas Stevenson (Appleton, WI); and their children Melissa Stevenson (Waynesville, NC) and Tyler Stevenson (Appleton, WI); Shawn and April Kutzleb (Alexandria, VA) and their children Shalissa (Kutzleb) and Cameron Williams (Carmel, IN), Nala Kutzleb, Nandi Kutzleb, and Emmanuel Kutzleb (Alexandria, VA);  Susan and Steven Paul (Sherwood, WI) and their children Chad and Kristi Christian (Erie, CO), Autumn and Corey Pawlowski (Ripon, WI) and Emily and Ryan Fries (Madison, WI). Vanessa is also survived by many loving great aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Eugene Kutzleb; great grandparents Mary and Richard Conrad; Hilda and Alfred Kutzleb, and Dorothy and Joseph Bodmer. We would like to recognize her longtime friend from high school, Deserrae Gustafson.

We also want to thank Langlade County Deputy Justin Wegmueller, who delivered the difficult news of Vanessa’s passing with grace, compassion, and kindness; and Detective Nick Walters, Wausau Police Department. 

A funeral mass will be held for Vanessa on Tuesday May 23, 2023 at 11:00am, at St Thomas More Catholic Church 1810 N McDonald Street, Appleton.  Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until the start of mass.  She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.