Mary Jane Grenz Obituary

Mary Jane Gruenstern, age 85 years, of Marion passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012 at her home.The former Mary Jane Grenz was born September 23, 1927 in the Town of Fairbanks, Shawano County, to Walter and Clara (Reinert) Grenz. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Tigerton. Mary Jane graduated from Tigerton High School in 1945. After graduation she worked as a nanny for the Kleforth family in Oshkosh. She was united in marriage to Gordon L. Gruenstern on June 10, 1950. They farmed in the Town of Dupont, Waupaca County, the Gruenstern Century owned farm until 1993. Mary Jane liked gardening and was especially proud of her roses. She enjoyed watching the birds and in spring waited for the hummingbirds to return. She also loved baking, cooking, and taking care of her family.

Survivors include four daughters: Mary Lynn (Roy) Hoppe of Marion, Shirley (Brian) Duwe of Marion, Cheryl Richter of West Palm Beach, FL, and Colleen (Dennis) Piller of Appleton. There are three grandchildren; Tracy (Chris) Hoffmann, Tammy (Darrell) Kerneen, and Greg (Alyssa) Richter. There are five great grandchildren; Joslyn Hoppe, Savanah Kerneen, Patron Hoffmann, Carter & Cole Richter. There is a sister, Esther Strassburg of Bowler, three sisters-in-law; Pearl Dieck of Marion, Deanna Grenz of Shawano, and Dorothy Gruenstern of Clintonville. She is further survived by a special friend, Lois Marquardt of Marion, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary Jane is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 49 years, Gordon, two brothers, Arthur & William Grenz, and two sisters, Edith Patri & Alice Sengstock.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 2nd at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church, Marion. Rev. Bradley Dokken will officiate and burial will be at Trinity-St. John’s Cemetery, Town of Dupont. Friends may call on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until time of service at the church. The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John Lutheran Church are preferred.