Sally Willihnganz

Heaven gained another angel for its legions. But we who remain in this world lost a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend.

Sally Willihnganz’s life journey ended June 1, 2022 after a brief but valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. She fought the cancer the way she lived her life -- with vigor and unparalleled enthusiasm. She’s at rest now, her fight has ended, and those of us who loved her dearly can take comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended as well.

Sally was born on Thursday, August 31, 1944 in West Bend, Wisconsin. She lived there briefly and then moved with her family to Columbus, Wisconsin. She attended and graduated from Columbus High School where she was a high school cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society. She married David Willihnganz in her hometown on November 28, 1964 in the final Latin wedding ever performed in Columbia County, and they have remained married to this day. She and David later adopted three boys, Troy, Ty, and Trent, and were blessed with another child of their own, Todd.

Sally attended every one of her sons’ many curricular activities and her unwavering support for each of them was cherished by all of them. She continued this tradition with her grandchildren.

Sally was not only a wonderful mother, she also worked long hours as a respiratory therapist at St Vincent’s hospital. She loved to cook and was fantastic at it, and loved to watch football. She was a season ticket holder for the Wisconsin Badgers since the day Barry Alvarez arrived, and she has been an avid supporter of the Green Bay Packers since she was a girl. Her favorite offensive cheer in football was “Go baby go!” and her favorite defensive cheer was “Get him!”

Sally also loved Christmas and all aspects of that season of goodwill, and she embraced and celebrated it to the hilt and made it fun for anyone around her during the holidays. It speaks to the woman she was.

Sally was preceded in death by her father Robert Key, a submariner in the Pacific Ocean during the Second World War, and her mother Marcella Key. Sally is survived by her husband, David, their four sons, Troy, Ty, Trent (Kari), and Todd (Molly), her sisters Kathy (Jim) Haag, Cheryl (Steve) Stapp as well as her grandchildren Emily, Ben, Jack, Charles, Henry, Tommy, and Greta, and her many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved unconditionally.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Family and friends may visit at St. Norbert College Parish at Old St. Joseph Church, on the campus of St. Nobert College, on Monday, June 13, from 9:30am until 10:15am. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30am with Sally’s cousin, Fr. Bill Key, officiating and Deacon Kevin DeCleene assisting. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

The family also wants to thank the efforts put forth by her hospice nurses and we are eternally grateful for all the times Shane Lagerman brought her communion and comfort on a daily basis.

Rest easy, Sally. We will miss you dearly. Thank you for everything you did for all of us, and thank you for all the wonderful memories you have left us with. Yours was a life well lived.