Mary Ann Ruth Koenecke, age 87, of Fond du Lac, formerly of Reedsburg, passed away surrounded by family on December 28, 2024. She was born to August and Anna [Hasz] Peper on January 21, 1937 in Loganville, WI.

She married Henry C. Koenecke on April 21, 1956 on a beautiful spring day at St John Lutheran Church in Loganville, WI. They were blessed with a daughter Marcia, and 10 years later, Kristy. They had a marriage that went the distance for 66 years.

Early in their marriage, Hank and Mary Ann had their own business in Rocks Springs. They later moved to Morton, Illinois, where she had various sales positions. One of her favorites was working as a cosmetic and stationery buyer at Carson Pirie Scott. She made numerous friends after moving to Morton and loved being with people and socializing.

Hank and Mary Ann moved back to Reedsburg in 1979 where she worked at Koenecke Equipment and later as a salesperson for Olin Mills where she earned the top sales person in the nation. Her last career job was working for Towns and Associates where she traveled the country working getting sales ads for hotels. She had a niche for working in sales and she said she had no regrets about the jobs she had and loved the adventures that it took her on.

Mary Ann met so many people during her travels with work. She loved talking to people and was never shy talking to a stranger. One of her special friends, Betty, became a travel partner along with Hank and other friends and family members. Some memorable trips were to Alaska, the East Coast, and New Orleans. She loved lighthouses and traveled to see as many as she could. She said her favorite place to travel was Florida. Once retired she and Hank spent many winters traveling in their many motorhomes around the country and lots of time in Florida. Many memories were made with grandchildren traveling with them to places like the balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, trips to Disney World in Florida and various campgrounds and time at the cottage. Grandma and Grandpa's house was a landing pad for drop- in talks and a good game of Rummikub, Yahtzee or Uno. She loved time spent with grandkids and their friends. She loved to be present to as many grandkid’s events as she could, even into college. Motorhome trips to see the marching band while James was at UW Madison were cherished memories. When the grandkids in Reedsburg got older, Mary Ann wanted to move to Fond du Lac to be closer to their younger grandkids.

Outside of work she was involved in many civic organizations in the Reedsburg area. She spent many hours as a parent booster during Kristy's high school years, being instrumental in changing Music Mothers to Music Boosters. She was a member of the Red Hats in Reedsburg and would come back to the festivities even after moving away. She made lifelong friends from this group.

Mary Ann would go the extra mile for anyone in need. She and Hank would offer help at the drop of a hat for others. She was caring and open minded and accepting of so many. She was happiest when she was involved with a family gathering making her crowd favorite German potato salad or planning trips with friends and family. She had an unwavering faith “in the Man upstairs” and praised God through the good and the struggles of life.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her adoring husband Hank, parents and brothers August Jr, Leonhard, LaVern, Herold, Raymond, Walter “Slim,” George, and sister LaVera, and many dear in-laws.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughters and sons in-law Marcia and Frank Signorile, and Kristy and Doug Miller. Grandchildren Amanda (Jeff) Hill, James (Shannon) Brandt, Emily Miller and Anna Miller. Step Grandchildren Cory (Mindy) Signorile and Dakota (Danielle) Signorile. Great grandchildren Orion Hill, Audrey, Maxwell and Collin Brandt, step great grandchildren Jordan and Mason Signorile.

A special thank you to the staff at The Meadows in Fond du Lac for the last year that you cared for her and made her feel so welcomed. She loved being a part of the Meadows community. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac. Your care and compassion for her these past two months was outstanding. She commented frequently that it was a great place.

Funeral services for Mary Ann will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 4, 2024 at St John Lutheran Church in Loganville. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials of remembrance may be made to St. John’s Cemetery Fund, Loganville.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.