Mary Ann Cecilia Krupka

Mary Ann C. Krupka, age 79 of Appleton, passed away at her home peacefully, surrounded by her family, on March 8, 2023.  She was born in Appleton on February 5, 1944, daughter of the late Florian and Mary (Thout) Merkl.

As a child Mary Ann was an avid animal lover - she rescued and loved a large number of cats over the years, sometimes caring for more than 10 at one time!  Cats were her favorite, and her beloved Peanut was by her side until the end.

Mary Ann graduated from Xavier high school in 1962 and was one of Xavier's first graduating classes.  In her college years she loved cruising around in her Karmann Ghia convertible and later in life in her "Minny Mouse" themed Mini Cooper! She was an avid learner and loved to read murder mysteries especially involving cats and little old ladies.

Mom and dad met at a church dance in Appleton while in college at UW Madison finding Norb to be the "cat's meow".  The two quickly became inseparable marrying only 8 months after meeting on May 15, 1965, at St. Joseph's in Appleton and having their first child 10 months later.

Mary Ann was a perpetual student, taking classes until a few years ago at Lawrence University and UW-Fox Valley.  She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, a Minor in library science and an associate's degree in interior design.  She even won an award for a window display at a local shoe store.  She also spent many years managing apartment buildings locally. A lover of traveling and taking the family on trips in the Itasca motor home all over the country made for many fun memories for the family. Mary Ann loved spending her summers at the cottage on Legend Lake, where they would spend time on the pontoon boat doing her favorite activity – swimming and jumping off the boat with the grandkids.  She was lovingly known by her grandchildren as Grandma Prickles.  Despite her many academic achievements her biggest accomplishment was raising 5 happy, successful, and caring children.  Mary Ann was extremely proud of her children, as they were her greatest joy. She was always there for her kids, no matter what.  

Survivors include five loving children: Joseph (Jeff Trelka) Krupka, John (Katrina) Krupka, Mark (Rita) Krupka, Nick (Kristina) Krupka, and Katie (John) Dorner; fourteen grandchildren: Cameron Krupka, Phoebe Krupka, Benjamin Krupka, Keira Krupka, Chloe Krupka, Jack Krupka, Sophia Krupka, Erika Krupka, Alexander (Teddi) Krupka, Samantha (Kris) Trollan, Rachael Krupka, Brooke Dorner, Lily Dorner, and Will Dorner; two great-grandchildren: Kayden and Dezmond Trollan.  There are also many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.  Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Norbert in 2022, and a brother Harold (June) Merkl.

The funeral liturgy for Mary Ann will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 410 W. Lawrence Street in Appleton.  Fr. Ray Stadmeyer, OFM Cap. will officiate, and entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park at 3:00 PM.  Visitation will take place directly at the church on Thursday morning, from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.