My beloved husband, father, and grandfather has been taken home to Heaven on January 5, 2022. Martin Francis Vander Wielen was born to Joseph and Elizabeth Vander Wielen on September 2, 1934. Martin and Patricia Ayers met in a music store and were married on September 13, 1956. Music continued to be the foundation in their faith, family and service. We are questioning how we can live without him.

He was passionate in his role as Choir Director for both the Seraphim Choir at St. Bernadette parish and The Men's Choir at Sacred Heart parish. Marty proudly served in the Army National Guard and worked at Kimberly-Clark as an engineer. In his early years, Marty fulfilled his musical dream by writing music and formed Marty Martin and His Orchestra. He was continuously spreading the joy of music with Pat by volunteering their talents at retirement homes, hospitals, school and church fundraising events, Christmas caroling, and family singing and dancing gatherings at Minnesota Thanksgivings.

Marty was a loyal friend; family was his priority. His self-appointed mission in life was to care for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia: three children Julie (Kirby), Scott (Christine), Sarah (Mike), seven grandchildren: (Jennifer and Andrew; Kaila and Breana; Rachael, Catherine and Laura). Siblings: sister Jane (Chuck-deceased), (Kerry, Mark, Lisa-deceased, Ann and Kim), and brother Ken (Mary Ann), (Jody, Jacci, Rachel and Beth). He is further survived by many loving friends and caring neighbors.

The funeral liturgy for Marty will be held at 12:00 PM (Noon) on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2331 E. Lourdes Drive, Appleton, WI, with Fr. Joe Dorner officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until Noon at church preceding the funeral liturgy. The family would like to extend gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff at Appleton Medical Center.