Katherine "Katy" (Vandenbush) Wagner

Our beloved mother, Katherine Grace Wagner passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026 surrounded by her loving family in her home in Appleton, WI, at the age of 99.6.  She was never selfish, always thinking of others, a source of endless laughter and the heart of our family.

Katy was born on August 31st, 1926.  She met her Dear husband, Leroy, at a roller rink, and they married April 17, 1947 after his service in World War II. They shared 57 years of marriage before his passing and built a life together centered on love and family.  Leroy built their small home, where they raised seven children.

Katy cherished time with her family and was known for hosting large holiday gatherings.  She was honored March of Dimes Mother in Outagamie County in 1954, a reflection of her deep devotion to her children, 2 of them had suffered from Polio. She always put her family first.

She worked as a custodian at Integrity until retirement and cleaned houses most of her life until her eighties.  She took pride in canning vegetables from the family garden.  Katy and Lee also enjoyed many years of camping, especially at their permanent campsite. There they enjoyed many hours of fishing, playing horse shoes and spending time with family and friends. She was always ready for a cup of black coffee, several games of Yahtzee, where she reigned as “Yahtzee Queen” and a challenging game of Canasta.  She loved a good laugh, often rhyming and joking with those around her.  Everyone loved her.

Katy was known for her sense of style. She was always well dressed with her hair done perfectly and jewelry to match her outfits.  She was especially famous for her desserts topped with Cool Whip and enjoyed taking gambling trips with her sisters.

Although Katy had never driven a vehicle, she liked to joke about the one time she tried – ending up in a ditch- a story that reflected her humor and ability to laugh at herself.

Katy is survived by her half-sister Mary Ann Horkman, her children: Ronald Wagner, Lynn (Dave) DeWall, Dennis (Barb) Wagner, Becky (Frank) Vertz, Tammy (John) Elsesser and Larry (Cheryl) Wagner, as well as 15 grandchildren: Wendy (Chad) Klapper, Tom Wagner, Jenny Verdi, Brian DeWall, Jason (Melissa) Wagner, Amanda Wagner, Jessica (Mike) Novak, Cathy (Kyle) Vosters, Michelle (Bill) Trefethren, Dena (Tyler) Nowland, Steven (Cathy) Vertz, Nicholas (Nicole) Vertz, Shayne (Sara) Vertz, Michael Vertz, Angela (Jason) Wilke, 25 great-grandchildren, Zildjian, Katie, Tristan, Levi, Deiondre, Keiara, Cali, Lennon, Livia, Ben, Lauryn, Ella, Liam, Leo, Scarlet, Alyssa, Draven, Jadyn, Landyn, Adasyn, James, Lilyanah, Nathaniel, Isaac, Isabella, one great-great grandchild, AhMorah, and another baby boy on the way. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Vandenbush, Nellie (Lathour) Vandenbush/Horkman, and Edward Horkman; her siblings Marge, Alice, Esther, Janet, Hank, Bobby and Tony; her beloved husband Leroy Wagner and her son David Wagner.

A special thank you to the Moments Hospice care team:  Stacey, Sherra, Emily, Erin, Leah, and the Chaplain Tommy for all his prayers, as well as her dedicated caregivers:  LaRita, Jennifer, Brenda, Melissa, Lyndsay, Katrina and Lily. We are also grateful for Father Jim for his blessings and Deacon Bob for his many visits with Communion. A heartfelt and sincere thank you to Angie Wilke for her love and devotion in honoring Katy’s final wishes, not only in overseeing her healthcare needs, but also providing exceptional care for so many years. 

Katy will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, kindness, strength, and humor will live on through her children and grandchildren.  We will carry her memory in our hearts forever.

A Funeral Mass for Katy will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at St Pius X Church, 500 W. Marquette St. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass at Church.  For online condolences please visit www.valleyfh.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.