Mary Anderson

WAUNAKEE- Early Friday morning on April 24, 2015, the angels came down from the heavens to retrieve the spirit of our dear mother, Mary Ann J. Anderson. At the age of 75, Mary Ann passed away at Maplewood Nursing Home in Sauk City, Wisconsin. She was a lifelong resident of Waunakee, born here on January 3rd, 1940. Mary Ann was the youngest of five children of Frank and Marcella (Uebersetzig) Endres. Her siblings include: Jim (Mary Lou) Endres, Lois (Mac) McMillen, Charlene (Marv) Unger, and Frankie (Judy) Endres.
Mary Ann married Ronald Newby at a young age in 1957. During their 9 year marriage they had five children, Denise (Dan) Hellenbrand, Dale Newby, Daniel (Angela) Newby, Diane Newby, and Dawn (Paul) McMurray.

Mary Ann married Robert Stancer in 1967 and together they had one daughter, Becky Frey. They were married 12 years and most of those years were spent raising this joined family in Westport, Wisconsin.

Mary Ann's family grew throughout her years and she was blessed with 12 grandchildren: Angela, Jake, Eli, Alex, Taylor, Miryha, Allison, Alex, Calvin, Zach, Natasha, and Logan. Great grandchildren: Dillon, Jackson, Greyson, Lilith, Diego, Aspen, Dominic, Damion, Logan, Cyrus, Tarius, Abbygale, and Cade.

Mary Ann devoted many years to raising her children and being at home with her family. She enjoyed knitting and was an avid bowler. She loved tending her gardens which brought fresh food and vegetables to the family table, and although it must have been a ton of hard work, she planned, prepared, and we enjoyed many family camping trips throughout the summer months as we were growing up.

In 1990, at the young age of 50, Mary Ann had a serious stroke which was a life changing event for her. Although there were months of rehabilitation, she was able to overcome these health issues and enjoy her retirement years. In fact, it was in 1995 that she met her most endeared companion, Don Hohenstein. They met at Hardee's in Waunakee where Mary Ann went on a regular basis to enjoy friends, conversation and her morning coffee. For the next 20 years, Mary Ann and Don spent their lives together. They enjoyed traveling in their van to their favorite waterfront spots throughout Wisconsin. The Venetian Festival Boat Parade was an annual event that they most looked forward to, booking the same hotel room each year and sitting on the patio where they could see all the lighted boats and fireworks display. They enjoyed visiting family and friends and attending Becky's weekly softball games. They laughed together and they cried together, but most of all, they truly enjoyed their lives together. The years with Don were, by far, the happiest years of Mary Ann's journey.

The children of Mary Ann would like to express our deepest appreciation to Don Hohenstein for his loving care, patience and loyalty to our mother. His devotion and love for Mom was unwavering and steadfast. His gentle strength made Mary Ann's constant health battles bearable for her. He always gave her hope and encouragement, a reason to fight to get back home and be together. We extend our eternal gratitude to you, Don. Thank you.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation on Wednesday, April 29th, 2015, from 2- 4 pm at Winn Cress Funeral Home, 5785 County Highway Q, Waunakee, WI, 53597. A Prayer Service will follow at 4 pm with Monsignor James Gunn presiding at the funeral home. Mary Ann will be laid to rest at St. John's Congregation Cemetery in Waunakee.

Friends and family are also invited to a celebration of Mary Ann's life at Peg & Doc's Bar and Grill, 106 Dane Street, Dane, WI 53529, immediately after the service. If you are not able to attend the visitation or service, you are still very welcome to join us at the celebration afterwards.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 HWY Q, Waunakee
(608) 849-4513