Mary Elizabeth Oelhafen

Mary Elizabeth Oelhafen, age 84, died peacefully with family at her side on May 17, 2024, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC. She was born in Manitowoc, WI  on November 19, 1939, to the late Edwin and Caroline Lueck.  Mary met William Oelhafen, both from Manitowoc, and they were married on June 15, 1963. 

Mary was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.  She loved people and she never met a stranger.  She was genuinely interested in others and showed love through her actions.   Mary was very proud of her family and had strong friendships.  She loved playing bridge, watching her grandchildren’s events, quilting, knitting, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Dusty.  

She valued her faith as well as connection and service to others.  Mary was a bright light in all our lives and will be greatly missed.  

Mary is survived by her 5 children: Kevin (Elisabeth Peterson) Oelhafen, Kristin (Gary) Gellert, Eric (Amy) Oelhafen, James Oelhafen, and Benjamin (Danielle) Delwiche-Oelhafen. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kathryn (Aaron) Wright; Nicole (Ben) Page, Frederick Gellert; Emma, Edward, and Luke Oelhafen; Annikka and Boden Oelhafen; and Alex Delwiche-Oelhafen as well as her great grandchildren: Jackson and Aubrey Wright; and Olive and Rory Page.  Mary is further survived by her brother Edwin (Erica) Lueck.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband William Oelhafen, her parents Edwin and Caroline Lueck, her brother James Lueck, and father- and mother-in-law Elmer and Marjorie Oelhafen.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday June 6, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 222 E. Fremont St., Appleton. Visitation will be on Thursday at the church from 9:15 am until the time of the Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Appleton.