Carala Vonne Spengler

Carala Vonne Spengler (McGinnis) passed away peacefully in her sleep June 17, 2018 at The Bridges Nursing Home. She was born August 2, 1931 in Appleton, to the late Edward and Lydia (Leppla) McGinnis. She grew up in Greenville, on the family farmstead known as Leppla’s Corners, which is now part of Chaska Golf Course. Carala graduated from Appleton High School in 1949, followed by 2 years at U.W. Fox Valley, then a year in Milwaukee at Spencerian Secretarial School. She held a few secretarial and administrative positions, spending 6 years at the Appleton Machine Company, but was most proud of her 25+ years with the Appleton Area School District, retiring in 1990. She was the secretary at Badger, Twin Willows, and Woodlawn Elementary schools simultaneously, as well as Madison Jr. High. She finished her career in Media Services at the Morgan Administrative Building.
Following her retirement, she went on to being a grandmother and “nanny” for her two cherished grandsons, Alex and Tyler, whom she was immensely proud of. Carala was also very involved with her church, Emmanuel United Methodist, volunteering on the Caring Ministries team, and was very dedicated to the Methodist Women’s Circle group. Throughout her adult life she was also a proud and active member of the American Legion Post 38 Auxiliary, serving in almost every position including Auxiliary President. For years, she was honored to carry the flag leading a group of high school girls as they dropped poppies on Veterans’ graves at the Legion service on Memorial Day.
Carala is survived by her daughter Julie L. Haas (Spengler), her son-in-law Michael Haas, grandson Alex (Alyssa) Haas, grandson Tyler Haas and great-grandson Felix Haas, all of Appleton.
The family would like to thank the 8th floor staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center (formerly AMC), and the staff at The Bridges of Appleton. Julie would also like to thank the entire Haas family for always including her mom in all family gatherings, and also Carala’s long-time neighbor Sue Johnson for always keeping an eye out for her.
A memorial service will be held at Wichmann Funeral Home on Monday, June 25 at 6pm, with visitation from 4:30pm until the time of the service, with Pastor Ben Morris officiating.