Paula Ann Hebeler

Paula Ann Hebeler passed away peacefully at home on September 22, 2025 after a long, courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer. She was born in Nijmegen the Netherlands on March 8, 1938 to John and Wilhelmine Kokke. She was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s High School (Class of 1956), St. Norbert College and Marquette Dental School.

On February 24,1968, Paula married Richard Hebeler, the love of her life, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Appleton. Together they made their home in Appleton, where they raised their three children and built a life of love, laughter and family. While her children were young, Paula found great joy in being a stay-at-home mom. She later worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Bill Flanagan where she made many dear friends.

Paula shared her love of music as a longtime member of the Adult and Resurrection Choirs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Appleton. She also enjoyed her exercise classes at the YMCA where she built lasting friendships. Dedicated to her community, she served as an election inspector at the Appleton voting polls for more than 40 years.

Paula had many hobbies reflecting her creativity. She loved sewing, knitting and cross-stitch. She also spent countless hours in the kitchen cooking and baking. Her Christmas cookies, stollen and fruit cakes were eagerly anticipated each year and became a family tradition passed on to her daughters. Paula also decorated her home beautifully for every holiday, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy her children and grandchildren will always remember. Paula loved nature and her flower gardens. She enjoyed every season, spending time biking in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter.

She enjoyed traveling with Dick and the many times spent in Florida and Colorado. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially playing cards and board games. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt always putting others before herself. She had an incredibly generous, compassionate heart and touched many lives with her presence. Her family will be forever thankful for the beautiful gift that was her life.

Survivors include her loving husband of 57 years, Richard; three children, Jody (Joe) Steele of Middleton, WI, Jennifer (Jay) Randolph of Broomfield, CO, and Jeff (Jessica) Hebeler of Louisville, CO; and six grandchildren, Brendan and Nikolaas Steele, Mason and Parker Randolph, and Emerson and Ella Hebeler. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Hebeler; as well as 10 nieces and nephews.

Entering heavens gates before Paula were her parents; her sisters and their spouses, Geri (Dr. Thomas) Rickert, Christine (Robert) Ulman, and Yvonne (Michael) Bauer; her brother-in-law, Roland Hebeler; and her parents-in-law, Joe and Adrienne Hebeler.

The family would like to thank all of Paula’s doctors, nurses and aids at Mayo Clinic, ThedaCare Cancer Center, and ThedaCare at Home Hospice Care. Their hard work and passion for health care allowed for many additional years together.

A funeral visitation will be held for Paula from 9-11 AM on October 7, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 312 S. State St, Appleton, WI with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 AM with Fr. Bill Swichtenberg officiating.  Paula's service will be livestreamed on this webpage using the attachment found below.  Paula will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton, WI.