Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, was ushered home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 9th, 2021. She was 84 years old.
Vangie was born on July 9th,1936 in Cornell, Wisconsin. She was raised primarily in Door County, Wisconsin. She loved living close to the shores of Lake Michigan. Vangie graduated from Gibraltar High School and began college in Green Bay. During her first year, she moved to Milwaukee to live and work there with her sisters Jenny and Gloria.
Vangie met the love of her life and soulmate, Gordy, when she was in high school and he was home on leave from the army. Vangie waited on his table when Gordy stopped by the restaurant/bar that her parents were managing. They were married several years later on October 8th, 1955 and settled in the Milwaukee area where they raised three daughters. No one was more important to Vangie than her Gordy, and their marriage of 65 years was an extraordinary example and blessing to everyone they knew.
Vangie embodied a “can do” spirit which allowed her to pursue and excel in many different careers through her 60+ years of work. Vangie worked as a beautician, bookkeeper for Gordy’s plumbing business, tax preparer, Blood Center manager, and Land’s End customer service specialist.
Vangie was devoted to her husband and children. She loved to host casual get-togethers, holidays and special occasions for her family, extended family and many dear friends. She adored her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always made them feel very special by keeping in close touch and even Face-timing with them.
Vangie’s commitment to her family was second only to her unyielding faith and commitment to the Lord. She enjoyed her daily Bible devotions and shared her faith with those around her. Vangie and Gordy belonged to St. Paul’s West Allis for over 40 years, St. Peter’s Reedsburg for 17 years and most recently Prince of Peace Menomonee Falls. Vangie served in many capacities at each of the churches she belonged to. She volunteered on the Ladies Guild, Altar Guild, Funeral Committee, served as Sunday School Superintendent, did shut-in calls, entertained nursing home residents with fun sing-alongs, crocheted prayer shawls, participated in bible studies and organized many women’s retreats.
Vangie was a friendly, outgoing, caring, generous and compassionate person. She really knew how to make gatherings fun for everyone and how to make each person feel special. Vangie touched many lives and will be missed.
Vangie was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Mabel (Kohls) Rivers, siblings Jenny (Herby) Berkhahn, Gloria (Al) Meyer, Howard Jr. (Pat), Sally (Ken) Seppala, two infant children Daniel Charles and Carol Beth, as well as many other family and friends. She is survived by her husband Gordon and daughters Diane (Dave) Statza, Gail (Greg) Dorth and Wendy (Bob) Barr. By her grandchildren Ryan (Kiley) Dorth, Megan Statza, Betsy (Jon) Kappel, Jamie Dorth, Kristen (Mark) Samuel, Emily Statza, Sarah Barr, Ben Statza, Robbie Barr, and great-grandchildren Ezekiel and Kelce Dorth.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 17th, 2021.Visitation from 1:00PM - 2:30PM.Celebration service at 2:30 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church; W156N7149 Pilgrim Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051.
