Vivian M. Wilz

Vivian Wilz, 99, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Willow Lane Assisted Living. She was born on April 16, 1925, in Appleton, the daughter of David and Marie (Hoffmann) Halloran. Vivian was united in marriage to the love of her life, Donald J. Wilz, on July 20, 1942, in Appleton, and they shared 68 years together before he preceded her in death on October 22, 2010.

Vivian loved music and dancing, crafting, especially knitting, crocheting, and sewing clothing for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, bowling, and golfing. Vivian took a cake decorating class at Fox Valley Technical College many years ago, and from that point forward would bake and decorate cakes for any and all occasions, most fondly remembered are the special birthday cakes. 

Vivian’s family was her life. She cared deeply with support and boundless love to all, which will forever live on in the hearts of her family. Her kindness and compassion touched our lives through her love of nature, gardening, cooking, decorating cakes, crocheting, knitting, and making desserts and candy.

Vivian is survived by her 6 children: Linda Barna, Dick Wilz, Jerry (Janet) Wilz, David (Andrea) Wilz, Tom Wilz, Susan (Larry) Kluball; 10 grandchildren: Laura Gilgenbach, Sara Brock, Rich Wilz, Michele Wilz, Lisa Wilz, Scott Wilz, Chad Wilz, Ren Wilz, Drew Wilz, and Brian Kluball; 15 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Vivian was further preceded in death by 3 grandchildren: Jennifer Topel, Christie Wilz, and Craig Wilz; a great grandson: Lucas Wilz; and siblings: Delores Halloran and Victor (Jean) Halloran.

Celebration of life will be held at Noon, on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton. Visitation will be on Saturday at the funeral home from 10:00 am until the time of the celebration. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to a local animal shelter.

Vivian’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Willow Lane Assisted Living and Moments Hospice for their care, compassion, and kindness.