Mary Ann Kersten

Mary A. Kersten (Gardner), 88 years, passed away June 1, 2017 at Cherry Meadows Hospice Center in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was born August 15, 1928 to her parents John A. and Irene (Malliox) Gardner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mary and her family moved to Bailey's Harbor in Door County working in the cherry orchards. She was a graduate of Gibralter High School. She moved to Appleton and at the Cinderella Ballroom met the love of her life. Shortly after he proposed at Waverly Beach and Eugene J. and Mary A. Kersten were married in 1949.

Mary was always eager for the next card game, often wanting to play cribbage or sheepshead with family and friends. Mary liked quiet time with a good book. She was active in Kaukauna area charity work and was known to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada or local casinos to play bingo, slots and enjoy the thrill. Mary loved to prepare the family holiday gathering meals and cooked for her loved ones for over 80 years. When asked how she was doing, “fat and sassy” was the response.

Mary will be missed by her children Kat (Gene) Elliott, Cindy (Bob) Hutchinson, Annette (Gary) Martzahl, Val (John) DeNell, and Geno (Jody Scott) Kersten, 13 grandchildren 25 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson/daughter, sisters Maggie Stitch and Frances Harmon, sisters-in-law Aadie Gardner, Roseanne Gardner, Joyce Gardner, and Jolene Gardner. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by her husband Eugene Kersten Sr, parents John and Irene Gardner, brothers Bob Gardner, George Gardner, John Gardner, and Leo Gardner, and son Steve Kersten.

A Memorial Prayer Service for Mary will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 4 pm at Wichmann-Fargo Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton. Private inurnment. Family and friends may gather at the Wichmann-Fargo Funeral Home, from 2 pm until time of Service.

The family of Mary Kersten thanks the staff and nurses of Cherry Meadows Hospice Care and Thedacare at Home Hospice for their professional and loving care of her.