WALLACE VETTER

Wallace Vetter, age 80, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 13 at Heartwood Homes Senior Living in Appleton, after a lengthy struggle with dementia.

Wally was born to Joe and Annie Vetter in Linton, ND, where he was raised and attended school. At age 18, he joined the North Dakota National Guard and upon moving to Appleton, he rejoined the Army Reserve, 395th Ordnance Company, resigning in 1980.  Wally was a long-time member of the Neenah-Menasha Elks Lodge #676, the Appleton Moose Lodge #367, and the Carpenters Local #955. He was self-employed as the owner of Valley Acoustics for over 20 years where he forged many lasting business and personal friendships. Wally and his first wife Shirley had four children who survive. He married Kay in 1983.   

Wally was skilled at making situations around him better. He was known as a man who would teach those around him to help make them be the best they could be. Although he shied away from recognition, Wally would lead, organize or support what needed to be done. Real. Quality. Wally. He loved to cook over a campfire and eat his dessert first. He also enjoyed a drink with friends at the end of the day. 

Survivors include his wife Kay (Morgan) Vetter, brother Joe (Shirley) Vetter of Decatur, IL, daughters Karen (Ron) Taylor of Appleton, Sheila (Randy) Carlson of Oshkosh, Kay's daughter Beth (Jim) Reinert of Hortonville, sons Steven (Ronda) Vetter of Kaukauna, and Kenny (Randi) Vetter of Cedarburg. Wally is further survived by 8 grandchildren; Jeremy (Pahoun), Kristin, Michael (Melissa), Jonathon (Shannon), Sam, Simon, Christopher (Tabitha) and Jessica and 8 great grandchildren plus blended grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sisters and brothers-in-law who survive include John (Judy) Morgan, Appleton; Larry Howard, Appleton, Claudia Starr, Manawa, and Darlene Morgan, Santa Monica, CA.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Annie Vetter, brother Leo Vetter, in-laws Sue and Dave Peat, Bill Starr, Gail Morgan-Howard and Todd Morgan. Many dear cousins and other relatives preceded him also.

“Lord, my dear God, you chose St. Dymphna as Heavenly Patron of those afflicted with mental, emotional and nervous disorders. Through her prayers, grant in your loving kindness relief and consolation to all who are emotionally disturbed.”

Wally's family would like to thank Father Bill Swichtenberg and Sister Joanne for their unwavering support and all Wally's caregivers and Asera Hospice for their patience and friendships. A thank you to his many friends, his family and neighbors for their roles in the many fond memories made during fishing trips to Devil's Lake, month-long visits to Myrtle Beach, and the fun memories from Pete's Junction/Carter's Caboose.

Visitation for Wally will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016 at Menasha's Westgor Funeral Home, 1140 Appleton Road, Menasha from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  The Funeral Liturgy for Wally will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 S. State Street, Appleton.  An additional time of visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the funeral mass.