Faye Wierschke

Faye L. Wierschke (Vathauer), age 84, of Greenleaf, WI, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022, peacefully at home.

Born February 9, 1938, Faye began her story near Greenleaf, Kansas. Born at their farmhouse, the daughter of Herman and Dorothy (Thorman) Vathauer, Faye spent her early years working on the family farm, caring for her siblings, and attending school. After graduating from Greenleaf High School in Kansas, she decided to continue her education by attending and graduating from Brown Mackie Business College in Salina, Kansas. She continued to work in Salina for a short time before meeting the love of her life Ronald Wierschke (Greenleaf, Wisconsin). The two married on November 29, 1958, near Greenleaf Kansas and soon they moved to Greenleaf, this time in Wisconsin, to start a family.

In Wisconsin, Faye enjoyed a fulfilling career as a homemaker and mother, raising four beautiful children (Larry, Mark, Joel, and Keri) while managing the family refrigeration business. Life continued on as it does in those wonderful, busy, and eventful years - raising children, growing a business, being a dedicated member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and taking annual trips to her family homestead in Kansas.

Faye continued to stay active in the community after the untimely passing of her husband, Ron in 1992. She became the town clerk of the Town of Wrightstown, continued to be a passionate blood donor, and hosted a basket-weaving club which met regularly at her home for the better part of three decades.

In addition to her community-focused efforts, Faye had an enduring creative spirit. She spent her leisure time sewing intricate quilts and weaving baskets. Besides creating wonderful works of functional art for her family, Faye also kept her writing skills sharp by maintaining a daily journal from 1979 forward, giving a glimpse into the events of her everyday life.


Faye was the best Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend a person could ever ask for. Faye exemplified what it means to bring those you love together. Clever and good-natured, patient and fun, caring and compassionate, though she is no longer with us in person, she will always be there, keeping us warm with the love she stitched into every quilt.

Faye is survived by her children Larry (Julie Novak) Ashwaubenon and their daughters, Samantha, Megan (fiancé, Brad Novak) and Laura. Son, Mark (Cindy Paur) West Salem, WI and their children Josh (Alison Gerdes), Cassie (Aaron) Bliesmer, Connor and Zachary. Son, Joel (Jill Van Laanen) Pound, WI and children Alex, Hollie, Sara, and also Larrisa Nelsen (Leiterman) and Garret Leiterman. And Daughter, Keri Bartman (special friend Robert Lemke) Appleton and children Matthew (Kayla Wienecke) Bartman and Emily. Also eight Great Grandchildren, Izabelle, Margaret, Nollie, Lincoln, Bowen, Oakley, Nora, and Kendra. Two sisters, Kathie Otney and husband Ronnie of Marysville, KS, and Lynette Pralle and husband Mel of Greenleaf, KS; Brother-in-law Bill (Renee) Wierschke Brillion, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Faye was preceded in death by both parents, her husband Ronald, brother Gary.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund in Faye’s name, something that was dear to her heart is St. John Lutheran Church of Greenleaf’s building fund.

Visitation will be Saturday May 14, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Greenleaf (1537 Day Street, Greenleaf WI 54126) from 9am until 11:45am, with Service at 12pm with Pastor Mike Gehl officiating.