Myrna T. Wulgaert

Myrna Theresa Wulgaert went home to be with her heavenly father on July 20, 2025 after a long and well-lived life.    She was born in Omaha, Nebraska on September 12, 1936, the first child of the late Boniface and Doris (DeMeuse) Gieben.

Myrna graduated with high honors from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.   She attended Outagamie County Teachers College where she met the love of her life, Edward (Eddie) Wulgaert.   

They were married on August 24, 1955, at Holy Cross Church in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.   Myrna and Eddie treasured 57 wonderful years of marriage.

In 1961, Myrna began what was to become a long and successful teaching career.  She was employed as an educator at Holy Cross Elementary School from 1961 through 1989.  She was known for her creativity in the classroom, engaging her students and fostering a love of learning.   She would become the favorite teacher of many students who passed through the halls of Holy Cross throughout the years.   Myrna also taught in the Kimberly School District in the Gifted and Talented program. 

At St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Combined Locks, Myrna taught CCD for several years at the Jr. High level.  She received her religious certification from the Green Bay Diocese. 

Myrna retired in 1989 and became a snowbird.  She and Ed lived at their home on Lake Poygan in the summer, and at their home in Mesa, Arizona during the winter season.   Eventually, the home in Arizona became their primary residence where Myrna was active in many clubs and organizations. 

Retirement also gave Ed and Myrna the opportunity to travel and they saw many parts of the world during that time.   While enjoying a trip to Europe with good friends from the military, a new love was born.  Myrna visited the Goebel Hummel figurine factory and became an avid collector.

Myrna is survived by her son Steven (Ruth); her daughter Julie (Patrick); her sister-in-law Brigette Gieben; her grandson Damien Martin (Heather); granddaughter Jenna Martin; grandson Lee Wulgaert, Jr. (Grace); granddaughter Bryana Wulgaert (David); great grandsons Ward and Graham Martin; and numerous cousins and friends. 

Myrna is preceded in death by her husband Edward, son Lee, and brother Douglas Gieben.

A Celebration of Myrna’s life will be held at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Kaukauna Location, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive, Kaukauna, on  Wednesday, July 30, 2025.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a service to follow. Burial will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, one of Myrna’s favorite charities.