Surrounded by her family, Valerie Jean Toennessen (Downs), 67, passed away suddenly Jan. 22 at ThedaCare Hospital in Appleton after years of courageously battling numerous medical issues. Her husband of more than 22 years, John, was by her side along with her son, Matthew, her daughter-in-law Jennifer and her three grandchildren, Juliana, Nolan and Blake.

Valerie was born to Thomas and Beverley Downs on July 19, 1958. Valerie proudly and selflessly worked for years in the Appleton Area School District both as an assistant with special needs students and as a supervisor for troubled teens. She touched the lives of many individuals in these roles by wearing her emotions on her sleeve – when she was mad at you, you knew it and when you needed someone to show you empathy, she was the first person to show it.

In their free time, Valerie and John shared a passion for their dogs and camping. In her younger years, Valerie was athletic and played tennis, and later in life she became a fantastic cook. She doted on her grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play sports, never missing an opportunity to remind them they get their athleticism from Grandma.

Valerie is survived by her sons, Michael and Matthew, her sisters, Willa and Diana, and her grandchildren, Juliana, Nolan and Blake. She was preceded in death by Thomas and Beverley as well as by her brother Jay.

A memorial service has been planned for Monday February 16, 2026, at 11:00am at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 9:00am until the service begins. Val will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.