Obituaries

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Waunakee- Mary Jean Klein, age 96, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, WI., surrounded by her family. She was born July 5, 1924 in Black River Falls to Oscar and Marie Hauger. Mary was raised in Madison where she graduated from East High School and met Harold “Faddy” Klein. She knew he was the one when he walked several miles on crutches during a snowstorm to visit her. Mary married Harold in 1942 before he shipped overseas for WW II. Mary spent most of her career as lead Secretary at various Madison Schools. She loved her job and retired at the age of 68 only after her boss retired. In retirement, Mary volunteered at the Red Cross, Elks Club, St. Vincent De Paul, and Warner Park Senior Center.

The most important thing in Mary’s life was her family. She led by example showing everyone the value of family, love, trust, honesty, generosity, understanding, humility, and humor. Mary and Faddy were always ready to help with family adventures on water and land and provided help on many building projects.

Mary was wonderfully organized and managed a tidy house, the Klein finances, and packing for family vacations. She always had a smile on her face, had a mind of her own, was in charge of her own life, and did things her own way. Mary could come off quick and short about something she did not like in a funny way, sometimes summarizing a situation with her famous phrase “Oh for Cry Eye.”

Mary had many friends, enjoying great trips with them. She also really enjoyed her children's close friends. She enjoyed watching UW sports, Packer games, her grandchildren's school plays and sporting events. She also bowled, played golf, tennis, cards and sang in choirs. Later in life short gambling trips provided social activities and great buffets.

Mary will always be remembered for the great ways she loved her family.

Mary is survived by two children, Mike (Renae) Klein, Sue (Mick) Klein Kennedy; four grandchildren, Rob (Sally) Rickerson, Mollie (Beau) Simms, Casey (Amanda) Klein Kennedy, Rik (Sara) Rickerson; five great-grandchildren, Tyler Rickerson, Daisy Simms, Dani Simms, Josie Rickerson and Joshua Rickerson.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; daughter, Sandy; great-grandchild, Christopher; and three siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 16, 2021 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Ave. with Father Jared Holzhuter officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday at the church.

Special thanks to Ingleside Nursing Communities of Mt. Horeb staff, and the caring nurses and doctors at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Vincent De Paul.

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257