Althea Frieda Gigstead of Appleton, WI received her crown of life on Monday, December 12, 2022 at Oak Park Place in Menasha WI.  She was surrounded by loving family as she prepared her final journey home.

Althea Frieda Gigstead (Fenske) was born on September 15, 1928 in New Ulm MN, to her parents Arthur and Frieda Fenske. She was baptized, confirmed and wed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, New Ulm, MN. Althea was brought up in a loving family and she held her faith close her entire life.  Her love was captured by a kind and gentle man from Door County WI.  Elman Gigstead and Althea were wed on August 2, 1947.  Elman built Althea their home where they lovingly raised their 4 children.  With children off to school, Althea worked for Wispride Cheese/Nestle Co. until her retirement.  She enjoyed her family and friends.  With Em by her side, they took wonderful vacations.  Day trips to Door County were their favorite.  Sadly, on April 13, 2003, Elman was taken away from Althea. Seeing a plane in the sky still made her heartache for that wonderful, handsome WWII pilot who swept her off her feet.

There was never any doubt that Althea loved every member of her family.  She celebrated their highs and worried endlessly of their lows.  She just wanted the best for all.  A time with family was what Althea held most dear.   She will be missed by all.

Althea is survived by her daughters Pamela (Keith) Jeske, Jeanne Gigstead, Connie (Lyle) Haltinner.  Also surviving her are seven grandchildren: Patricia (James) Patten, Amy (Cori) Popp, Lisa (Jason) Ulett, Daniel (Ann) Gigstead, Teri Haltinner, Benjamin (Melissa) Gigstead, and Shannon Jeske.  Five great-grandchildren also survive her: Addalynn Robach, Marshall Patten, Rylie Ulett, Brynn Patten, Reese Ulett, Landon Gigstead, Evelyn Gigstead, and Kate Gigstead.

Althea was preceded in death by her husband Elman Gigstead, son Daniel Gigstead, daughter-in-law Linda Gigstead, parents Arthur and Frieda Fenske, brothers Arthur Fenske and Philip Fenske, sister Charlotte Fett and sister-in-law Grace Fenske.

The family would like to knowledge some very special people Althea held dear: Doug and Suzy Johnson, Michael and Rebecca Fett, Eva Kamps, Dr Rex Knauf, Dr Stephen Dernlan, Barb Lison, Jeanne Braatz, Theda Care Hospice Team, and Oak Park Place Assisted Living.

And a very special thank you to son-in-law Lyle Haltinner for his unconditional love and support he provided to Althea and Connie for the last 47 years.

A funeral service for Althea will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 19, 2022, at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 530 W Parkway Blvd., Appleton.  Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.

The family will be forwarding all memorials to the MACC Fund which does pediatric cancer research.  Althea's great-grandson was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.