Lisa Willkom

VISITATION:

4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:

11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 17, 2017, at the Church of Notre Dame, 117 Allen St, Chippewa Falls

Lisa Willkom, 60, of Chippewa Falls, died peacefully at her home, with her family by her side on Tuesday, February 14, 2017. Known to so many for her bright smile, vibrancy, and love for everyone around her, she inspired us all with her deep faith, bravery, strength, and ability to persevere despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Lisa was born to Carl and Nina (DiLeo) Klauss on May 23, 1956, in Rice Lake, WI. She graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1974. Lisa attended Viterbo College and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She married Gregg Willkom on March 21, 1980, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rice Lake.

Lisa was many things-a wonderful wife, a mom, a sister, and a friend. Her incredible faith and spirituality influenced everything she did. She was an active member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, was involved in the parish council, and enrolled in the Diocesan School of Biblical Studies. She also enjoyed gardening, traveling (her favorites were Italy, France, and Belgium), a good cup of coffee, yoga, and good conversation. She loved to laugh and particularly appreciated her husband Gregg's sense of humor. We will miss her voice and laughter the most.

Lisa is survived by her husband of 36 years, Gregg; children, Ariene Willkom of St. Paul, Noah (Jane) Willkom of Anacortes, WA, Maria (Ben) Machemehl of Eden Prairie, MN, and Carl Willkom of Minneapolis, MN; three grandchildren, Bennett and Sascha Willkom and Magdalena Machemehl; siblings, Mark (Valerie) Klauss of Chesapeake, VA; Karla Klauss of Chicago, IL, Damian (Karen Halverson) Klauss of Duvall, WA, and Dr. Gia (Dr. William Rausch) Klauss of Portland, OR; and many beloved relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; uncle and aunt, Fred (Marcella) DiLeo, and great-aunt, Viola Mahaney.

The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls, with a public prayer vigil beginning at 7:00 p.m., officiated by Deacon Ned Willkom.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 17, 2017, at the Church of Notre Dame, 117 Allen St, Chippewa Falls, with Msgr. Mark Pierce officiating. Interment will be in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery, Town of Sigel, Chippewa County, at a later date.