VICKI R. WALTON (nee Weiss)

Vicki married Gary Walton of Marathon, IA, on August 22, 1964. Gary and Vicki made Wisconsin Rapids home soon after the births of their 2 sons, Douglas and Kelvin. Vicki worked as a registered nurse and started her career at Riverview Hospital. She was an RN at Family Heritage nursing home and then an RN and nursing supervisor at Edgewater Haven nursing home until her retirement. She loved working with the residents and made many lifelong friends among her fellow nurses.

Vicki loved sports and the outdoors. She enjoyed watching her sons play sports, especially baseball. She could be found on the diamond playing catch with the boys and even throwing batting practice. Vicki was an avid downhill skier and later took up cross country skiing to explore the land around the house. Vicki loved the water whether it was swimming, canoeing or kayaking. She made countless trips with family and her friend Betty Rollo to Nepco Lake and the Wisconsin River to paddle. Vicki also loved taking walks and riding her bike. When her balance began to decline, she adapted and switched to riding a three wheeled Schwinn. As with most things, Vicki had two! Vicki loved to watch the birds and animals at her feeders and the butterflies in her flower garden.

Vicki was an artist in many respects. She would draw, wood carve, build stick furniture and make dolls. Every family member has at least one of Vicki’s tree spirit brooms or walking sticks. Vicki loved the performing arts and regularly attended events throughout the state but was particularly fond of the Performing Arts Center in Wisconsin Rapids.

Vicki and Gary enjoyed the antique business traveling to flea markets, sales, and auctions; buying and selling their goods. Vicki would often “acquire” some of Gary’s finds and add them to her home display.

Vicki adored her grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. She talked about them nonstop and took more pictures than one would think humanly possible as she fawned over them.

Vicki is survived by sons Doug (Alexis) and Kelvin (Karen); grandchildren Matthew, Lauren, Ian, Jordan, Felicia and Joey; special daughter Lorra Metko; many nieces, nephews, and very special close friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Gary; father Victor; mother Harriet; and brother Vic.

Due to safety concerns and restrictions with Covid there will not be a memorial service at this time. There will be a private burial at the Pioneer Cemetery in the Town of Saratoga. An ice cream social and cookout will be planned for the spring/summer of 2021 to gather and celebrate Vicki’s life.

Family and friends can make donations to the Art’s Council of South Wood County in Vicki’s honor on the Council’s website, www.savorthearts.com.