Lana J. (Whitens) Pawlowski

Lana Jean (Whitens) Pawlowski, age 76 of Menasha, was called home by Jesus on May 23, 2022 after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was born on July 7, 1945 to the late Raymond and Jovelet (Collins) Whitens. On May 10, 2003, she married Steve Pawlowski at Apostolic Truth Church in Appleton. Lana, lovingly called “Lonie” by her family, was born in Green Bay, grew up and attended school in Laona, WI. She was a giver. Out of her love, she gave of her possessions, money, shelter, wise council and most of all, her time. She was the first person we called when there was a need in our family. Many friends and relatives found a safe haven in her home. When you walked through her door, she was always SO happy to see you and family gatherings were almost always at the Pawlowski’s. Lana made sure there was more food than you could possibly eat. Her famous potato salad is a family favorite, and she made sure Donnie and the kids got their take home package.

Lana started working at age 14 and had many various jobs. In 1973 she started work at Hoffmaster in Appleton. She retired in 2007 after 34 years.

She led many people to God, through her faith, her witness, countless bible studies and by the way she lived her life. She had immense love for her family, especially her grandbabies, taking on a mother’s roll when needed.

Lana was a lover of animals and she adored her long haired Chihuahuas and was heartbroken at losing them. She loved so many things; playing cards with family and friends, spending quiet time in the northwoods with her family relaxing and sharing childhood memories. Our annual, “sisters weekend getaways” and our special, “girl cousin/sister getaways” were priceless and we fondly called each other, “Cousiblings”.

She loved traveling with her husband Steve, telling stories of exciting and even harrowing adventures. She loved good food and “always” Fresh Coffee! Lana is survived by her loving husband of 19 years, Steve Pawlowski, her devoted son, Don (Clara) Thurber, granddaughters; Jena (Mathew) Billingsly, Stephanie Thurber, Tommy (Payton) Thurber, great grandchildren; Henry and Simon, stepdaughters; Amy (Mike) Pawlowski Oday, Lisa (Greg) Betley, step grandsons; Aiden, Dillon, Gavin, Liam, Kyler and Quinn. She is further survived by her siblings; Elaine (Denny) Cotherman, Francie (Jim) Gilligan, Barbara (Pete) Moore, Tim (Mitzie) Whitens, Jeanie (Steve) Mertens, nieces and nephews; Kerry, Alicia, Tracy, Jason, Kimberly, Shannon, Michael, Shawn, Timmy, Jennifer, Brandon, Brett, Shane and Alysa as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her brother Michael Whitens, brother in law, Richie Gilligan Sr., and nephew Richie Gilligan Jr.

Family and friends may gather on Friday, May 27, 2022 from 9:00am until 10:45am at Apostolic Truth Church, 2720 N. Kesting Ct. Appleton. A service will follow at 11:00am, Rev. Aaron Soto officiating.

Lonie put God, family and friends in that order. She was a one of a kind and Godly woman. She will be forever in our hearts and always missed…

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