Marion Wichman
May 28, 1931 - June 27, 2026
Obituary
Marion Jean Wichman, age 95 passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026 at The Heritage, Appleton, WI.
Marion was born May 28, 1931 in Appleton, WI to Reinhard and Mildred (Miller) Sommers. Marion attended Pleasant Dale, a one-room school in the Town of Center, and graduated from Appleton High School in 1949.
Marion was a life-long member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in the Town of Center, having been baptized, confirmed, and married there. She was a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and served on the altar committee and Ladies Society. On June 28, 1952, Marion married Eugene Wichman. He preceded her in death in 2008.
Marion was employed at Appleton State Bank (BMO), Moe Northern Lighting Company and Treasure Island, while also raising 6 daughters, growing a large garden each summer and working on the family farm.
Marion was very active in Outagamie County 4-H, having been a member, then a leader for 62 years of the Wide Awake Forward 4-H Club. She was the Wisconsin Cherry Pie Baking Champion and Outagamie County Dairy Queen. She earned numerous awards and attended National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago. She served as Secretary and Director of the Outagamie County 4-H Leaders Association and was a delegate to many county, state and national leaders conferences.
Marion worked at many elections for the Town of Center for over 25 years and helped write the book containing its history, called “Life in The Town of Center”. She enjoyed collecting salt and pepper shakers as well as genealogy information for 4 families. Marion’s love of reading history and biographies combined with her sharp memory, sharing childhood stories and interesting knowledge, generated intriguing conversations with family and friends.
Marion will be dearly missed by her daughters: Donna Born, Diane Sanks, Denise Buss, Doris (Mike) Kalbus, Darlene (Paul) Schroth, and Dawn (Mike) Harrell, and Grandchildren: Jennifer Robinette, Rebecca (Mark) Wagenknecht, Nathan Sanks, Phillip Sanks, Trina (Keith) Doxtator, Cory (Ashley) Buss, Hannah Kalbus, Danielle (Bryant) Scherer, Samantha Schroth, Lindsey Schroth, and Adam Harrell. Also survived by Step-Granddaughter Shelly (Mike) Doering and family, Great Grandchildren: Thomas and Laura Robinette, Nicholas (Hannah) Wagenknecht, Kyla, Harlowe, Calvin and Maxwell Doxtator, Everett and Stella Buss, Emma and Ezekiel Scherer, Great-Great Granddaughters: Eloise and Zoey Wagenknecht, several nieces and nephews, and Brother-In-Law and Sister In-Law, Donald and Beverly Wichman.
Marion was preceded in death by her Husband, Eugene; Parents, Reinhard and Mildred Sommers, Brother, Charles Sommers, In-laws, Almond and Lorinda Wichman, Sisters-in-Law, Jean Sommers and Darlene Sommers, Niece, Debora Sommers Berendts, Brother-In-Law and Sister-In-Law, Glen & Janice Wichman and Sons-in-Law, Dale Born and Steve Buss.
A Christian Funeral Service will be held on July 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church (N3505 State Highway 47 Appleton) with Pastor Mark Gartner and Pastor Matthew Schoell officiating. Visitation will be held at the church at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Appleton Highland Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Craig Hendel of Encircle Health for his expertise, extraordinary kindness, patience, and personal attention provided to Mom over the years. Sincere gratitude to Marissa, Montana, Sienna, Morgan, Liz, Jodi, and Stephanie of Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care and support in our greatest time of need. And much appreciation to Diane O’Brien and the staff at The Heritage for their dedicated care and support.
In Mom’s honor, memorials may be directed in a manner which is meaningful to you. Per her wishes, memorials will be directed to Black Hills Ski for Light, (Black Hills, South Dakota) in honor of Granddaughter, Samantha, in deep appreciation for their compassionate rehabilitation support after Sam’s life-changing accident. Ski For Light’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and independence of visually or mobility impaired adults through their adaptive skiing program.