Obituaries

Mary Ann Buerger, 88, of Verona died peacefully at her home on July 31, 2015 with family by her side. She was born in Milwaukee on May 11, 1927 to Joseph and Elizabeth (Krejci) Maly.

Mary graduated from West Division High School in 1945 and Marquette University in 1949. She then began her career as a social worker in the Milwaukee County Department of Public Welfare. She married Frank Buerger on October 10, 1953 (10-10 at 10). Following the birth of their son Joseph in 1954, she "retired" from the county. Mary and Frank were further blessed with five daughters. In 1965 the family moved to Verona.

While raising her family, Mary was active with scouts, parent organizations and religious education. In 1972 she took a position as a social worker at the Dane County Hospital and Home (Badger Prairie Health Care Center). In 1989 she was honored with the Wally Bauman Distinguished Professional Service Award. Mary retired in 1991 and continued to be active in the community. Among the groups she volunteered with are Verona Senior Center, MARC Board, and the Portal Foster Board. She was a very active member at St. Andrew Parish, giving generously of her time and talents. Mary's giving spirit was also reflected in being a 50 gallon blood donor to the American Red Cross.

While Mary was well known for being an active community member, it was the quiet ways in which she mentored many people that she will be remembered. Mary welcomed everyone who entered her home as a member of the family. She was keenly aware of needs of individuals, families and groups, going out of her way to support others.

In addition to caring for her family, working and volunteering, Mary was a member of the neighborhood ladies card club, a group in existence for over 50 years. She dined and attended performances with "The Merry Widows." Mary enjoyed her travels to other countries. In 1987 she joined Friendship Force as a traveling ambassador and host to international visitors.

She is survived by five daughters: Ann (Vance) Buerger Linden, Julie (Scott) Turk, Marie (John) Loehrke, Elizabeth (Paula Wick), and Catherine; grandchildren: Sarah (Jeremy High) Stroo, Emily (Michael) Duch, Laura (Anthony Kincade) Buerger, Matthew and Brady Turk, Nathan, Margaret and Michael Loehrke; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Duch; siblings: Joseph (Patt) Maly, Ann Maly and Elizabeth Tyree; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Buerger and Joseph Buerger; special friends: Jean Ruhde, Mary Hinner and Judy Roethe.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Frank (1975), son, Joseph (2011), sister-in-law, Julia Buerger, brother-in-law, Richard Griswold and special friends, Barbara Dresser and Jennie Wineke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at St. Christopher Parish/St. Andrew Church, 301 N. Main Street, Verona. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona and also from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery.

Mary's family appreciates her guardian angels at Willow Pointe Assisted Living for their years of compassionate care. They also thank the staff from Agrace HospiceCare for the care and guidance they gave in her last months.

Memorials may be made to Verona Senior Center, St. Andrew CCW or Portal Foster Center, Inc.

"Mom, we know you were 'hanging tough' and were 'blessed' in so many ways. We were fortunate to have you as our mother and role model."

To view and sign the guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.