Paula R. Reichl

Paula Rae Reichl (Semrau), age 76 of Appleton, WI peacefully went to her creator in her sleep beside the person she loved most in this world on March 15, 2026. She was born to Paul and Arlene (Gross) Semrau on November 17, 1949 in Marinette, WI. After graduating from Menominee High School, Paula went on to take many higher education classes, which helped her in a variety of jobs and interests throughout her life. She was best known for her work as a bookkeeper, but her favorite job was at CESA 7 & 5, traveling the state of Wisconsin with her “Queen of Alio Support”, Donna Field. Paula met the love of her life, Thomas Reichl in January of 1967 and knew right away that he was the man she loved. They were married in December of that same year and together, they raised 2 wonderful children. When Tom joined the Navy, Paula stayed by his side and joined him in his 20-year US Navy career, spending those years traveling the western half of the world with Tom and their children, living in the USA, Canada, and even Scotland.

Much could be said of Paula, but her giving, caring, and compassionate nature was at the base of all of it. She was one of the most friendly strangers you could ever strike up a conversation with, and by the end of it, you wouldn’t be strangers anymore. A lifetime MENSA member, Paula was incredibly intelligent and made sure to share her knowledge with her friends and family. She was a prolific reader - always in the middle of a book (or several). Paula was very active in the community wherever she was, serving as the NESPA Union President for the Neenah Joint School District, and even serving as the base housing circle representative for CFS Masset, where she took in the request of everyone she was possibly able to, campaigning and receiving playground equipment for the kids of the Cedar and Balsam housing circles. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting, often while watching premier league soccer or grand sumo wrestling matches. Paula spent many vacations traveling around the U.S. and the globe. More than anything, though, Paula loved her family and cherished every moment she could with her husband, kids, and grandkids. She was so proud of everyone she helped raise.

Paula will be deeply missed by her husband of 58 years, Thomas Reichl; her sons, Christopher and Gregory (Jennifer) Reichl; her grandsons, Aiden and Colin Reichl; her sister, Cheryl (Joseph) Salfai; her sisters-in-law, Judy and Carol Semrau; her nieces and nephews, Cindy, Troy, and Brett Semrau, and Joseph Jr, Patrick, and Thomas Salfai; her cousin, Barb Gilbert; as well as many other extended relatives and dear friends.

In heaven, Paula is reunited with her parents, Paul and Arlene Semrau; her brothers, Peter, Gene and David Semrau; her nephews, Danny and Scott Semrau; her uncle, Anthony Semrau; and her beloved pet and companion, August Hund.

A funeral visitation will be held from 10 AM – 12 PM on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 2790 County Hwy KK, Appleton, WI 54915 with a mass to follow at 12 PM. Paula will be laid to rest at Holy Angels Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Paula.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to her care team: Dr. Taleon, Dr Florescu, Dr. Phillip, Dr. Poola, RN Paige Hein, APN Ashley Schumacher, APN Stefanie Zuleger, and all the nursing staff at Encircle Health, Thedacare Regional Cancer Center, and Thedacare regional Medical Center Appleton for their efforts and support in helping Paula in her fight against cancer.