KAY WINGEN

Kay Marie (Miller) Wingen of Neenah, passed away on July 1, 2021, due to a recent stroke. She was born on May 22, 1940, in Waupaca to Louis and Hilda (Conrad) Miller. She graduated from Waupaca High School in 1958. Kay was employed by Glenn's Super Market in Waupaca where she worked as a grocery clerk, and in the meat and produce departments.

In 1963, Kay's brother-in-law, Kenney Stafford, asked Kay if she would like a blind date with his co-worker, William “Bill” Wingen. Kenney explained that Bill was a nice guy but had been married before and had four young kids: a son and three daughters. Little did Kay know that Bill would become the love of her life and that she would become his wife. They were married on June 5, 1965, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca.

What a wonderful bonus those four were to her! She loved them as her own. During their marriage they were blessed with their daughter, Elizabeth. Everyone knew her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her life, her joy and pride. Her love and compassion extended to everyone she met. She welcomed them to dinner and a game of cards.

Bill and Kay both enjoyed volunteering at St. Joseph's Food Program and Bethesda Thrift Shop for many years. Kay continued to volunteer at Bethesda and supported many charities until her death. Kay liked to play cards, sew, and cook. She was an excellent cook and Bill said she made the best pie in Wisconsin.

Together they built an A-frame cottage with the help of family and friends on their property in Northland. They spent many weekends and vacations there enjoying the quiet nature with their dogs; walking in the woods, chasing sticks, and playing hide-and-go-seek. They enjoyed having their children and grandchildren visit and made many new friends in the area.

Kay's passion was family history, and they took many trips to find courthouse records, cemeteries, and to Kincardine, Ontario, Canada, to locate the grave of Bill's grandmother. There they also discovered many cousins they didn't know they had. Some of their Canadian relatives have visited them in Neenah.

For many years, Bill and Kay drove to Ripon, WI twice a week for breakfast at Kristina's Family Café. They made many new friends there, including Pastor Josh Sherman. As a 50^th anniversary surprise for Kay, Bill asked Josh to perform their vow renewal ceremony at Ripon Baptist Church on June 5, 2015. They were both surprised when their children hosted a 50^th anniversary party for them on June 6 at Cavanaugh Carriages. The party was attended by all of their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends and relatives. Both days were very special to Bill and Kay.

Bill and Kay enjoyed hosting foreign exchange students and took several trips to Europe to meet some of their families. They hosted Sylvia from Spain, Anu from Finland, Mette from Germany, Luisa from Brazil, Juan from Dominican Republic, Jasmina from Yugoslavia, Aki from Japan, Rudy from Brazil, Caroline from Germany; and Yulia from Ukraine.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Janice; her brothers, Mayford, Leland, and Arlen; by her husband Bill; and their many dogs.

Kay survived by and will be greatly missed by her brother-in-law, Kenney Stafford; her sister-in-law Janice Miller; and by her children: Bill Wingen, Jr. (Barb); Ann Keesler and her children: Mike (Amy), Jake (Tara), Marc (Sarah), and William; Kathy Ciske (Larry) and their children: John and Aimee (Jason); Penny Dabill (Ron) and their children: Josh and Chris (Jenny); Beth Stamps (Corey) and their children: Ashley (Travis), Skyelar, Emilee (Jake), Aliyah, and Abrielle; and Yulia (Carl) and their daughter Jasmine; as well as by 10 great-grandchildren, and many more friends and relatives.

A memorial service for Kay will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 12, 2021 at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home, Rev. Josh Sherman officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service.

Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital, or a charity of your choice.