Sue Gertz

After 85 years of living her life to the fullest, Suzanne "Sue" M. Gertz (Weigman), our beloved and spunky mom, passed away at home on March 14, 2026 after a battle with endometrial cancer. She was born on May 14, 1940 in Kaukauna, the daughter of the late Don and Bee (Koehler) Weigman. Sue was a proud graduate of Kaukauna High School with the class of 1958. After high school she briefly attended the University of Wisconsin, and then the Accredited School of Beauty Culture. She worked alongside her mother as a hairdresser at Bee’s Beauty Salon. She then worked for the Kaukauna Area School District, initially in food service, then many years in the AV Department at the high school and ended her career working in the Riverview Middle School Library. During that time, she was an active member and leader in the paraprofessional union. Sue retired from KASD in 2003.

She married the love of her life, Robert J. Gertz, on September 2, 1961 in Kaukauna, WI. They had 3 daughters; Amy, Sarah and Cindy.  He preceded her in death on Nov. 3, 1979. Sue proved her strength and resilience by suddenly having to raise her 3 daughters on her own.

Sue leaves behind a legacy of service to her beloved Kaukauna community. In November of 1979, Sue was asked by then mayor of Kaukauna, Robert LaPlante, to finish out the term of her late husband on the city council. She accepted and became the first woman to ever serve on the Kaukauna Common Council.  She served in this capacity for 28 years until 2007.  Sue proudly served on the Kaukauna School Board since 2014 and was also a long-standing member of the Alumni Foundation Board. She served in both capacities up until her death.  She also was a member of the Friends of 1000 Islands for many years.  After retiring, Sue volunteered to listen to 1st graders read once a week at her daughter’s elementary school in Kimberly.

Her dedication to her community is admirable, but her family had her heart and soul. Along with her 3 daughters, her love for her seven grandchildren and recently her first great grandchild was unmatched. Sue was the ultimate Kaukauna HS fan, cheering loudly for her daughters and their track and cross-country teams. That continued on with her grandchildren following their pursuits in track, cross-country, volleyball, soccer and tennis.

Anyone who knew our mom, knew she was a passionate follower of her sports teams. The Brewers, Badgers and mostly her beloved Green Bay Packers. She had been a season ticket holder since 1957, when Lambeau Field opened. She was at the Ice Bowl in 1965, and attended the Super Bowl in 1997 in New Orleans. Sue was also an avid golfer who was still hitting mid-50’s at age 85. She belonged to two leagues, cutting back to one league two years ago. She volunteered at both PGA and LPGA events in Wisconsin, and was able to attend both the Masters and Ryder Cup as well. She was an excellent card dealer for the Schmidt Oil Open. Sue was also an avid card player, playing Bridge every Monday and Sheepshead twice a month.

Survivors include her three daughters; Amy (Bill) Stenz, Sarah (Tom) Larsen, Cindy (Tim) Bruecker, her seven grandchildren; Matthew (Amanda) Stenz, Megan (Jooney) Stenz, Andrea (Shane) Kelly, Madi (Mike) Shine, Jacob Larsen, Jack Bruecker, Charlie Bruecker and her great-grandson Archer Kelly. She is further survived by her beloved sisters Mary Kay (Tom) McGinnis and Donna Lamers, a brother-in-law Don VanGrinsven, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents, Bob’s parents, Joe and Kitsy Gertz, a brother-in-law Dave Lamers, two sisters-in-law, Jeanne Gorzelitz and Patsy VanGrinsven.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Kaukauna Location, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A vigil service will conclude the evening. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at St. Katharine Drexel Parish-St. Mary Site, 119 W. 7th Street, Kaukauna, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Dr. Schmidt, Lindsey and Krystal at Theda Care Cancer Center for the tremendous care you have shown to our mom over the years. And another huge thank you to the Theda Care Hospice Team of Ben, Erika, Ida who took such good care of Mom in her final days.

Mom, you could never understand how much we’ve admired your strength and determination over the years. You became a single parent at age 39 with three daughters, you’ve had your share of health challenges and every time a new challenge arose, you picked yourself up and carried on. You enjoyed life to the fullest, you let us know it is okay to be ourselves, you were our biggest cheerleader, our best friend. We will miss you terribly, but we will feel your presence everyday. Say hi to dad for us, drink an old fashioned and behave! We all love you forever!