Marcia Lankau Wilhelms
Marcia Lankau Wilhelms passed away peacefully on Friday, September 30 at The Meadows of Fond du Lac with her children near.
Marcia was born March 12, 1935 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to August and Doris Lankau. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Lester (Les) Wilhelms, on June 26, 1954.
Marcia was a devoted wife and mother. She and Les encouraged their children to pursue their interests and never missed a concert, sporting event, or school function. They opened their home to family and friends and the Wilhelms’ house quickly became the gathering place for many. Their door was always open and generally someone was dropping in simply to ‘hang out’. As grandchildren came, Marcia and Les picked right up with the next generation, driving wherever they needed to be to attend Grandparents’ Day at school, go to a game, or catch a concert.
In addition to being the consummate stay-at home-mother, Marcia worked a variety of jobs and managed the administrative side of her husband’s home construction business. Once retired, she and Les enjoyed golf, travel, and going for morning swims at the Aquatic Center, followed by breakfast with their swimming buddies. Marcia also greatly enjoyed her volunteer work at St. Vincent DePaul and was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church.
Survivors include Marcia’s children, Pamela (Jon) Magalska of New Berlin, Terrance (Janet) Wilhelms of Elk Grove, IL, Steven (Barb) Wilhelms of Appleton and Catherine (Rick) Boelke of Seattle & Madison; eleven grandchildren, Dana (Jeremiah) Hette, Lauren Magalska, Doug (Amanda) Magalska, Heather Wilhelms, Nichole (Ernie) Matijevic, Justin (Lauren) Wilhelms, Bri (Mike) Melchert, Angela (Matt) Te-nuyl, Anthony (Ashley) Wilhelms, Alex (Mike) Doney, and Anna (Aaron) Gauthier; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Bain, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her sister Nancy, and her mother and father.
Visitation will be Friday, October 8, from 1 to 3 pm followed by a celebration of her life at Zacherl Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marcia’s name may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the incredible team of caregivers, direct and indirect, at The Meadows and Heartland Hospice Care. Mom loved everything about living at The Meadows, from the food to the beauty salon where she was pampered like she had never been before. But mostly, she loved ‘the girls’ who cared for her; she never failed to say how wonderful they all were. Stacey, Amanda and Erin from Heartland also provided so much comfort and care. The support and love provided by all, especially in the last year, was nothing short of remarkable and allowed Mom to stay in her home until the end. There was no greater gift to Mom and the family.
A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” – Cardinal Meymillod.
Mom, we will forever hold you in our hearts and are comforted to know you are at peace and, once again, walking hand-in-hand with Dad.