LaVila Wedell

LaVila Doris Wedell, age 83, of Wautoma was born to eternal life on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 at Juliette Manor in Berlin.

She was born July 29, 1937 in Neshkoro, the daughter of Vernard and Alma (Lehr) Fietz. She married Chester E. Wedell on Nov. 27, 1955 at Zion Lutheran Church in Neshkoro. LaVila was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wautoma where she served on the Altar Guild and she was faithful in daily devotions and in praying for her family.

LaVila was a 1955 graduate of Westfield Union High School. She worked many different jobs during her lifetime, including the Pickle Factory in Wautoma and Redgranite, Art Johnson’s DX Truck Stop, A&W Restaurant both in Wautoma, Shelmet, Inc., Wild Rose, sewing Muk Luks at Handcraft Company in Princeton and Speed Queen in Wautoma. LaVila was employed at Milsco in Redgranite for over 35 years until her retirement. She served as secretary for the Milsco Shop Union for many years while working there.

She and her late husband loved playing cards with family and friends. LaVila will be remembered for her love of cooking, especially making homemade donuts and her endless baking of Christmas cookies every year. She always liked to celebrate family gatherings and remembering birthday and anniversaries by sending cards, letters and gifts. LaVila also enjoyed gardening, canning, and planting flowers which she often delivered to family and friends. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by four children, Louise (Bill) Gabert, Oshkosh, Cindy (Tom) Sroka, Lohrville, Debra (Jeffrey) Raatz, Wautoma, Roger Wedell, Wautoma; grandchildren, Andy (Sherah) Sroka, Chris Sroka, Rachel Wedell, Melissa Doman, James Wedell, KateLynn ( fiancé, Mitchell Grorich) Wedell; step grandchildren, Curtis (Theresa) Raatz, Brandon Raatz; great grandchildren, Jaxson, William, Isis, Alexandria, Lawrence, Justin, Dakota, and Caleb; step-great grandchildren, Adrian, Gavin, Ulrich and Visara; one sister, Nordean Zimmerman, Colby; one brother, Arnold (Donna) Rohde, Westfield; her stepsister, Viola Daye, Neshkoro; three sisters-in-law, Diane Wedell, New Berlin, Joyce Eggert, Waukesha, Adeline (Keith) Brown, Slinger; special cousin, Margery Richter, Aurora Co.; family friend, Laura Wedell, Wautoma. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to her husband Chester, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Arden Fietz; one sister, Shirley Feakes; her parents-in-law, and by five brothers-in-law.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 121 W. Elm St., Wautoma. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Brian D. Rohde officiating. Due to COVID restrictions, face masks will be required and social distancing observed. Burial will be in Wautoma Union Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Blaha and LuAnn for their wonderful care they gave LaVila during the past few years. Special thank you to the staff of Theda-Care Medical Center, Berlin, Juliette Manor and Hospice for the help they gave during the final days of her life. LaVila was thankful for the care she received, and the family truly appreciates all you did for her.