IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Kirsten
Wengeler
May 18, 1975 – March 29, 2024
Obituary
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away." Our lives are but a journey – today we share the passing of a very special woman, who always thought about others before herself. Kirsten Ann (Engebretsen) Wengeler left her earthly presence at the young age of 48 on Friday, March 29
th
, 2024. Kirsten passed away peacefully in her Neenah home with her husband, Will, holding her hand. For Kirsten, the last 39 months have been a challenge, living with medical complications resulting from a Covid vaccine injury. It was Kirsten's wish to remain in her own home, together with her devoted husband and accompanied by their three beautiful Golden Retrievers, who provided Kirsten with additional comfort and support.
Kirsten was born May 18, 1975, in Merrill, WI – the daughter of Dr. Gary and Julie (Thacker) Engebretsen. Kirsten knew she had a greater purpose and made a difference wherever she went. She graduated from Merrill High school in 1993. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Before her illness, she was a dedicated Women's Health Nurse Practitioner at Women's Care of Wisconsin in Neenah, WI. It was not just a job for her – they were family. She was proud of the difference she was able to make.
Kirsten married William A. Wengeler, on January 20 th , 2000, on an island in Turks and Caicos. The two of them had grown up together since they were in 4 th grade. It was no surprise that they would share their lives.
Kirsten was a remarkable gift giver, but some of her greatest gifts were her caring personality, sense of adventure, knowing how to support others, and her generous heart. She had a passion and love for all animals and especially Golden Retrievers. Kirsten always seemed to know what the girls were thinking and would translate their thoughts and desires with her special playful laugh. The Wengeler household was actively involved in the Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin. Both through advocacy and the fostering of many wonderful Goldens, who more than anything else, needed a family to share their unconditional love. Some of these Goldens were able to stay and enjoy everything the Wengelers had to offer. Be it the Goldens or someone who just needed a friend, the Wengeler house has always been a special place to call home.
Kirsten was also highly creative, full of great ideas, and driven. These traits were best expressed in her travel itineraries; it was not just about going places, but to share an adventure with those she loved that would become a lasting memory. She enjoyed many vacations throughout the USA, Europe, and Caribbean, but she especially enjoyed the warm Florida sun with Will and her Goldens. She was a very hands-on partner, and they made a hard-working team. The Lakehouse they created on Green Lake brought her immense joy and an outlet for her talents of decorating and entertaining. She made countless wonderful lakeside memories with family and friends. Love Lake Life.
Kirsten is survived by her husband, Will; Goldens, Sarah Beth, Katherine Grace, and Emma Louise; parents, Gary and Julie Engebretsen of Merrill, WI; sister, Beth (Michael) Kroll of Berlin, WI; parents-in-law, William and Joanne Wengeler of Merrill, WI; brother-in-law, Steven Wengeler of Merrill, WI and niece Chelsea, aunts, an uncle, cousins, and many wonderful supportive friends.
Kirsten was preceded in death by her grandparents, Victor and Ruth Engebretsen as well as George and Irene Thacker.
Fox Cities Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family. Per Kirsten's wishes, there will be no service. If you would like to send a memorial, donations can be made to the Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin, addressed to GRRoW Treasurer, PO Box 235 Waunakee, WI 53597. Alternatively, at GRRoW.org, donations can be made using a credit card or PayPal with the option in Step 4 for donors to place a message. Donations may also be made to the Green Lake Area Animal Shelter (GLAAS.org) PO Box 86 Green, Lake WI 54941.
Please help keep Kirsten's memory alive – share her love and kindness in all you do and to everyone you encounter. While Kirsten was incredibly strong, her body was tired. She found peace knowing she had a tremendous positive impact. Knowing Kirsten was truly a gift! Be present and live in the moment. Find comfort in the fact she is free, no longer in pain, and in a special place where one day we will be together again.
The family would like to thank all their friends, neighbors, work families, and the team at Compassus Hospice for their kindness, care, and support to Kirsten and Will during this journey. You never realize the strength you have, but when you love someone, you can do whatever you need to.
Kirsten was born May 18, 1975, in Merrill, WI – the daughter of Dr. Gary and Julie (Thacker) Engebretsen. Kirsten knew she had a greater purpose and made a difference wherever she went. She graduated from Merrill High school in 1993. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Before her illness, she was a dedicated Women's Health Nurse Practitioner at Women's Care of Wisconsin in Neenah, WI. It was not just a job for her – they were family. She was proud of the difference she was able to make.
Kirsten married William A. Wengeler, on January 20 th , 2000, on an island in Turks and Caicos. The two of them had grown up together since they were in 4 th grade. It was no surprise that they would share their lives.
Kirsten was a remarkable gift giver, but some of her greatest gifts were her caring personality, sense of adventure, knowing how to support others, and her generous heart. She had a passion and love for all animals and especially Golden Retrievers. Kirsten always seemed to know what the girls were thinking and would translate their thoughts and desires with her special playful laugh. The Wengeler household was actively involved in the Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin. Both through advocacy and the fostering of many wonderful Goldens, who more than anything else, needed a family to share their unconditional love. Some of these Goldens were able to stay and enjoy everything the Wengelers had to offer. Be it the Goldens or someone who just needed a friend, the Wengeler house has always been a special place to call home.
Kirsten was also highly creative, full of great ideas, and driven. These traits were best expressed in her travel itineraries; it was not just about going places, but to share an adventure with those she loved that would become a lasting memory. She enjoyed many vacations throughout the USA, Europe, and Caribbean, but she especially enjoyed the warm Florida sun with Will and her Goldens. She was a very hands-on partner, and they made a hard-working team. The Lakehouse they created on Green Lake brought her immense joy and an outlet for her talents of decorating and entertaining. She made countless wonderful lakeside memories with family and friends. Love Lake Life.
Kirsten is survived by her husband, Will; Goldens, Sarah Beth, Katherine Grace, and Emma Louise; parents, Gary and Julie Engebretsen of Merrill, WI; sister, Beth (Michael) Kroll of Berlin, WI; parents-in-law, William and Joanne Wengeler of Merrill, WI; brother-in-law, Steven Wengeler of Merrill, WI and niece Chelsea, aunts, an uncle, cousins, and many wonderful supportive friends.
Kirsten was preceded in death by her grandparents, Victor and Ruth Engebretsen as well as George and Irene Thacker.
Fox Cities Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family. Per Kirsten's wishes, there will be no service. If you would like to send a memorial, donations can be made to the Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin, addressed to GRRoW Treasurer, PO Box 235 Waunakee, WI 53597. Alternatively, at GRRoW.org, donations can be made using a credit card or PayPal with the option in Step 4 for donors to place a message. Donations may also be made to the Green Lake Area Animal Shelter (GLAAS.org) PO Box 86 Green, Lake WI 54941.
Please help keep Kirsten's memory alive – share her love and kindness in all you do and to everyone you encounter. While Kirsten was incredibly strong, her body was tired. She found peace knowing she had a tremendous positive impact. Knowing Kirsten was truly a gift! Be present and live in the moment. Find comfort in the fact she is free, no longer in pain, and in a special place where one day we will be together again.
The family would like to thank all their friends, neighbors, work families, and the team at Compassus Hospice for their kindness, care, and support to Kirsten and Will during this journey. You never realize the strength you have, but when you love someone, you can do whatever you need to.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kirsten Wengeler, please visit our flower store.
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