Mary E. Sprister

Mary Sprister, age 79 of Kimberly, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2018, while her grandchildren lovingly surrounded her and prayed the rosary. Mary was born in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, on May 8, 1939, daughter of the late Alex and Uiva (LePonsey) Skrobel, Sr. A graduate of the Oconto Falls High School, Mary married Bob Sprister at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Stiles on July 11, 1959.

Mary loved to cook and bake. She could cook an amazing meal from anything in the house. She took with her the recipes to her chili, pea soup, and so many more that no one will ever duplicate. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, and knitting. She made many blankets for her family to keep forever in her heart. She was super creative and handy, and could build anything out of anything. From wood working to making special playthings for her grandchildren. Time spent up north at Chute Pond was always a treat for her.

Auntie Mary was a second mother to her many nieces and nephews. She also had an amazing faith in the Lord. Her faith meant everything to her – she spread the word by nurturing and teaching her children and grandchildren about the Catholic Faith as well as life skills.

Mary is survived by her husband: Bob Sprister of Kimberly; six children: Dan (Beth) Sprister of Kaukauna; Karen (Brad) Tandeski of North Dakota; Don (Sarah) Sprister of Appleton; Doug (Darlene Covell) of Fremont; Lisa (Gary) Gutjahr of Darboy; and Betsy (Steve) Foesch of Shiocton. There are fourteen beloved grandchildren: Amanda (Nick) Johnson, William Sprister, Michael LaBrec, Katie (Derek) Dahly, Stephanie (Ryan) Mowry, Katie Sprister, Molly Sprister, Emily Sprister, Grace Sprister, Samantha (Ben) Wassink, Alex Gutjahr, Max Gutjahr, Lucy Foesch, and Ruby Foesch. The great-grandchildren are Kamdyn, Khloe, Aubree, Noah, and Claire. Mary is also survived by her brother and sisters: Alex Skrobel, Beverly Luchterhand, Crystal (Chuck) DeHut, and Laurel Aull; and her in-laws: Tom (Phyllis) Sprister, Sharon (Dan) Schubring, and Dave Everts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Eleanor (Al) Techlin, Theresa (Arnold) Lamers, and Bernadine Everts: her in-laws: Edwin and Marion Sprister; a brother-in-law: Alan Luchterhand, and sisters-in-law: Elaine Skrobel and Elizabeth (Pat) Crowe.

The funeral liturgy for Mary will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at HOLY SPIRIT PARISH, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue in Kimberly, with Fr. Bob Kollath officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the mass.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the compassionate and loving caregivers at Ascension Hospice and The American Grand that took care of mom. All of the special caregivers that touched her life had a special place in her heart.