Merna Mae Mittlesteadt

Merna Mae Mittlesteadt, age 89 of rural Wonewoc, WI passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 surrounded by her children. She was born on May 23, 1936 in the family home in Rural Reedsburg, WI, the daughter of John D. and Lauretta (Cutsforth) Fuller. Merna grew up in rural Reedsburg, the youngest of 12 children.

Merna graduated from Reedsburg High School in 1954 and attended Sauk County Teachers College graduating on June 5, 1956. She taught at the Lower Dells School which was a one room school having students from 1st to 8th grade.  She commented that she had 8th grade boys that were taller than her!  She then taught at Rock Springs, where she was principle of the school.

On June 27, 1959 she married Marvin L. Mittlesteadt.  Their marriage was blessed with four children, and her teaching skills were put to use with her own children. 

She was a very hands-on farm wife working side by side with Marvin.  Both were devoted to each other as well as owning their own successful dairy farm in the Lime Ridge, WI area. In addition to farming, she enjoyed gardening, canning, and preserving home grown foods to feed her family.  She also was gifted at quilting as she made many quilts and potholders with love to gift to her children and grandchildren.  She had a green thumb and had many flowers and houseplants. 

Merna was a member of the St Paul Lutheran Church in Wonewoc Wisconsin. 

Merna was a loving, devoted, caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always put her children and family ahead of herself.

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 66 years in June of 2025; parents; great-grandchildren, Baby Angel and Aria; siblings, Lloyd, Irene Rickman-Rasmussen, Johnny, Deloris Mittlesteadt, Leota Wagner, Arthur, Ross, Oris, Ted, Agnes Deo, and Ezra.

Merna is survived by her children and spouses: Karin (Doug) Powell, Deana (Harlan) Urban, Vern (Tammy) Mittlesteadt, and Terri (Dave) Gher; grandchildren: Jenny (Brandon), Jon (Holly), Jake (Jen), Linda (Jake), Kristen (Kevin), Cody (Kelsey), Jessica (Matt), Mandy, Lindsay (Ryan), Ashley (Cole), Josh (McKenna); 25 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, along with other relatives and friends.   

Funeral services for Merna will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wonewoc with Pastor Jacob Limpert officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church.

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

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