78, Chris passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center of Appleton.

Chris and her beloved husband Gary were together for over 60 years, having met at a Christmas party in 1963. They built a beautiful life together in Wisconsin. Chris loved her little white dogs, Luca and Louie–we all knew they were her favorites–but she truly adored all of her five children, their spouses, and eight grandchildren.

Earlier this year, Chris was diagnosed with lymphoma, and she weathered the chemo, the hospital trips, and all the uncertainty with grace and humor. She beat the cancer, but the related issues took her unexpectedly and all too fast. Most people didn't get a chance to say goodbye, but Chris wouldn't have wanted it that way.

She wants to be remembered for the joy she brought. Everyone who knew Chris has a cherished memory. She was always ready for a celebration, a strong cup of coffee, or a casual (or candid) conversation. She'd light up a room when Gary would ask her to dance.

While she was slow to call, she was quick to hug. She never left the house without looking her best. You could always count on Chris to recommend a book or drag you to a craft fair.

No matter how you knew Chris–through yoga, Hortonville High School, Zion Lutheran Church, as a friend, family, or otherwise–you likely remember her infectious smile, her honest comments, or the fact that she would decorate the house for every holiday. Her presence was a thread that wove us together.

Chris is survived by her husband Gary, her daughter Rebecca (Dean) Ballmann, daughter Sarah (Jason) Reed, son Eric (Angela) Neumann, son Ted (Kari) Neumann, and daughter Elizabeth Schomburg. And those precious grandchildren, William and Pearce Ballmann, Logan Reed, Maddox Neumann, Olivia, Grant, Elliott, and Ida Neumann, you made her days brighter. Every game, graduation, play, or musical, she was your biggest fan.

Chris had strong faith and a long history with Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton–it was her place of worship, where she and Gary were married, and where she was blessed with so many baptisms, confirmations, holidays, and marriages of her loved ones. At her request, the church service at Zion will be private for the family. Donations can be made by check to the Zion Lutheran Church Organ Fund.

You can also honor Chris with a donation in her name to the Carbone Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin by clicking the following link: https://give.wiscmedicine.org/fundraiser/5559704/dashboard/details?is_new=true

And the next time you can, she hopes you dance.