Lianne Kay VanWyhe

Lianne Kay VanWyhe, age 64, of rural Blue River, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday morning, March 24, 2016. She was born January 17, 1952, in Clinton, the daughter of Benjamin and Johanna (Schutt) VanWyhe.

A 1970 graduate of Clinton High School, she was employed by UW – Madison and Wisconsin Conservation Corps for 34 years, until retiring in 2014. Lianne enjoyed gardening and preserving food, along with the companionship of her pets. She was loved by everyone who knew her. She loved to volunteer, always being very generous with her time and energy. She inherited a love of baseball from her father, and was a passionate fan of the Brewers, Packers and Badgers.

Lianne is survived by her loving husband of 21 years, George Riggin; her son, Ben (Liz Jesse) Sandee, Madison; her mother, Johanna VanWyhe, Rockford; sister, Cher (Ron) Hoekstra, Rockford; nephew, Michael (Heather) Hoekstra; nieces, Sarah Hoekstra and Leah (Colin) Gregory; step-children, Thatcher Riggin, Winona (Mike) Evans, Josh (Kelly) Kramer, Calvin Kramer, Jim (Chris) Kramer and three very special grandchildren, Eli Kramer, Grace Evans and Jadon Kramer. She was preceded in death by her father.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton from 2 PM until 4 PM on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to “Paws with a Cause” (https://www.pawswithacause.org/). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.