Anita A. Vaculik

Anita Vaculik, age 90, passed away quietly at her home on the morning of Monday, August 24, 2026, with her husband, Jerry, by her side. She was born in South Milwaukee on July 2, 1936, daughter of the late Robert and Esther (nee Loppnow) Lange.

On November 2, 1968, Anita was united in marriage to Jerome “Jerry” Vaculik at St. Louis Catholic Church, where she was a lifelong member. Her Catholic faith, prayer, and the rosary remained important throughout her life, with a special devotion to St. Gerard—the patron saint of motherhood.

Anita’s greatest joy was her family, and caring for others was simply what she did. She enjoyed baking, gardening, babysitting for generations of children, and sewing, including making clothes for her children when they were young (though they didn’t always appreciate her handiwork). She treasured 44 years of summers with family at their cottage in Wautoma, where they created cherished memories while fishing, playing games, and gathering around campfires. She also enjoyed traveling to visit loved ones while discovering new places along the way. Anita will be remembered for her generosity, devotion to family, and a lifetime of showing her love by taking care of others.

Anita was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her husband, Jerry, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage; her children, Kevin Hintz, Jeralyn (Bill) Mulkey, Keith Vaculik, and Kyle (Nicole) Vaculik; ten grandchildren, Kasey (Kelly) Hintz, Korey Hintz, Katie Hintz (Curtis Zorko), Selah, Elijah and Isaiah Mulkey, and Noah, Tanner, Gracie and Keegan Vaculik; four great-grandchildren, with two more soon to join the family; sisters Diane Hagemann and Annette Kempken; sisters-in-law Maryann Pipoly, Rosie (Glen) Markham, Patty (George) Kralicek, Judy Lange, and Joice Lange; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Hintz; sisters Charlene Siecrest and Rita Modesti, and brothers Hilary, Robert Jr., Donald, and Dennis Lange; and her granddaughter, Kylyn.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Anita’s life will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 13207 County Road G, Caledonia. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Mark Obeten will officiate Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery.