Annette Marie Grapengieser

Annette Marie (Smarzinski) Grapengieser, age 73, went home to her Lord and loving husband on March 17^th, 2024. Annette was a devoted mother, grandmother and sister who will be greatly missed. Annette was born on November 15^th, 1950 to Joseph and Margaret (Wippich) Smarzinski in Neenah, Wisconsin.  She attended Neenah High School and graduated in 1969. In her early 20’s Annette met the love of her life Patrick “Pete” Grapengieser and they were married in October of 1976. A few years later they became the proud parents of their one and only son Patrick J. Grapengieser. Once Patrick was older, she accepted a position at Plexus Corporation and retired after 25 years of dedicated service.

Annette’s greatest pride in life was her grandchildren Patrick “PJ”, Ben and Leona. She poured her heart into caring for them after school, summer vacations and any time we needed her. Annette loved to sew and paint by number. The various items she gave us will always be treasured. Annette enjoyed the simple things in life.  A good word search and mystery episode would keep her content for hours.  Annette loved to spoil us and tidy the house. She would do anything to make our lives just a little easier. For this we will always be grateful. She truly was a giver of her talents. In the time spent at our home she created a special bond with her “grand dog” Clover. Clover with surely miss Grandma Nette’s scolding, spoiling and love. Annette is survived by her son Patrick (Carly) Grapengieser, grandchildren PJ, Ben and Leona, sister Margie (Terry) Grapengieser, sisters Kathy Stelow and Gerri (George) Sim, brother Paul Smarzinski, sister-in-law Sharon Grapengieser, brother and sister-in-law Chuck (Karen) Grapengieser and numerous nieces and nephews.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband Patrick “Pete” Grapengieser, father and mother Joseph and Margaret Smarzinski, stepmother Agnes Smarzinski, father and mother-in-law Henry (Margaret) Grapengieser, brothers and sisters in law Larry (Elle) Allard, Carl (Corrie) Grapengieser, Tim Grapengieser, Jean Grapengieser, Gary Stelow, nephew David Allard and close friend Bea Nobbe. Annette’s beautiful smile, infectious laugh and loving heart will always be remembered and greatly missed.

Friends, family and others whose lives were touched by Annette are invited to join us for a celebration of her life on Monday March 25, 2024. Visitation from 3:30-5:00 PM at Wichmann Jansen Fargo Funeral Home in Kimberly. Funeral Service will be at 5:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. John Cemetery in Menasha.

A special thank you is extended to St. Paul’s Elder Services of Kaukauna, WI. The staff and Hospice Care were more than we could have asked for. Although Annette’s time in their care was limited, she was treated with extraordinary love and dignity. We will be forever grateful.