Mary Ann Kistner, 78, of Elkhart Lake, passed away Tuesday afternoon, September 13, 2022 at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice following a courageous 3 year battle with breast cancer.
Born December 8, 1943 in Sheboygan, Mary was a daughter of the late Francis and Janet Kautzer Koehler. She attended Sheboygan area schools and graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1962. She continued her education at the Sheboygan School of Vocational Technical and Adult Education in 1963, earning a medical assistant certificate. On June 18, 1966, she was united in marriage to James A. Kistner at St. Dominic Catholic Church.
Mary was a surgical technician at Valley View Hospital in Plymouth for 30 years, retiring in 1996. She was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church where she sang in the choir. Mary and Jim raised and showed Samoyeds for 52 years. They are members of the Sheboygan Kennel Club, the Samoyed Club of America, and the Greater Milwaukee Samoyed Fanciers. She enjoyed buying and selling antiques and collectibles, spending time in her flower garden and watching the Brewers and Packers. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jim; her children, Chad (Amy) Kistner, New Holstein, and Elisa (Scott) Wierman, Plymouth; her grandchildren, Zackary Wierman, Plymouth, Stephanie (Patch) Adams, Sheboygan, Desiree (Alyssa) Wierman, Manitowoc, Ashley Wierman, Sheboygan, and Melissa Wierman, Fond du Lac; her great granddaughter, Paisley Adams; her brothers John (Karen) Koehler and Charles (Kara) Koehler; and her sister, Charlotte Koehler, Lady Lake, FL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jayne (Tom) Krause; her mother and father-in-law, John and Cecelia Schaller Kistner; her brother-in-law, Gordon Kistner; and her sister-in-law, Carol Mae Kistner.
Funeral services for Mary will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022 at the Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1132 Superior Avenue. Family and friends are welcome at the funeral home on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will take place in the Chapel of Eternal Light Mausoleum.
A memorial fund has been established in her name.
Even in her final days, Mary strove to get stronger by watching her Fitbit to add steps and learning new strengthening techniques. She also strengthened her mind by recalling funny stories and reminiscing with her family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Coulis and Dr. Bettag and the nurses and staff of the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all of their loving care and support.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Mary’s arrangements.
Comments