Lana Werth, 82, passed away peacefully at ThedaCare Appleton on March 29, 2026. She was born April10, 1943, in Plainview, Nebraska to the late Finley and Hilda (Jesson) Fischer.

Lana graduated from high school, and attended secretarial school in Omaha, NE. This took her to New York City to work for Western Union from 1961-1964. She met the love of her life Rex Werth in New York City, and they then moved to California. The couple married on March 14, 1964, before moving to Wisconsin and starting a family. The couple welcomed two daughters Katherine and Wendy.

Lana volunteered at the Appleton School library and was also a Sunday school teacher for many years. In her later years she worked at Clarks Cleaners as well as Elaine Bridal Shop as a seamstress. She helped raise her grandson Nathaniel (Nate) Rusch.

Lana enjoyed sewing, cooking, and gardening. Her garden truly was a great joy for her. Friends and family who came to visit could often find her out in the backyard if they couldn’t locate her inside her house! She grew everything from prize tomatoes to rhubarb. The bounty of her garden was full and the vegetables were either eaten right away or canned or frozen for winter use. In the springtime she would have flowers all over her house. The Iris plants and pink peony came from her home in Nebraska. Lana had a famous sugar cookie recipe that she used to create wonderful Christmas cookies. She also made wonderful chili and to make birthdays extra special, she always made angel food cake served with strawberry ice cream!

Lana loved spending time with her family. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2023, a diagnosis she fought until the end.

Lana is survived by her daughters Katherine (Marty) Schmalz and Wendy Werth Rusch, grandsons Nathaniel (fiancé Lydia) Rusch, Tobias Schmalz and Anthony Schmalz. In addition, she is survived by brothers Lin, Lyle (Mary Ann) Fischer, sister Lois (Jim) Brandt, sisters-in-law: Renee, Denise, Jackie, Joyce and Sarah as well as brothers-in-law: Bill, Dean, Dennis as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rexford “Rex” Werth, her parents, sister Lona, brothers-in-law: Gordon, and Ward, sisters-in-law: Linda Fischer, Connie and Cindy.

The family would like to express its thanks and care to Dr Jenna Hahn, Moments Hospice and ThedaCare Hospice.

In accordance with Lana’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Please celebrate her by sharing a piece of angel food cake with a friend or bake a batch of sugar cookies to decorate and share!

In lieu of flowers, per Lana’s wishes, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.