Mary Wohlust
Mary Wohlust, 84, died Tuesday, October 29 at St. Agnes Hospital. Mary was born 4-20-29 in Madison to LuNiel Carteron and Thomas Smith. She was referred to as "The Ultimate Volunteer." She selflessly gave of her time to countless organizations including Sigma, The Altrusa Club, Lady Elks, AAUW, The Newcomers Club, Music Parents, and the FDL Booster Club. She served as the PTO President at both Rosenow and Chegwin Elementary Schools. As an active member of St. Mary's Parish, she acted as director of religious education and taught CCD classes while her husband Earl worked as the Parish Trustee. In 2004, Mary received the Paul Harris Award from the FDL Rotary Club for her volunteer work in the community. Never seeking any personal recognition, Mary quietly went about volunteering and serving - developing and participating in one community project after another. She was unique in not only being exceptionally creative, but in having the energy and drive to implement that creativity. Recognizing the importance for children to develop a love for reading, Mary created a program for the students at Chegwin Elementary School. She made reading an adventure for the kids. Every week she would put on her reading hat which was shaped like a beehive and she became affectionately known by the students, parents and faculty as "The Queen Bee." Her love for reading and books continued later in life when she served on the FDL Public Library Board during the library's renovation in the late 90's. Mary and her friend, Sharon Donovan, began a children's theater program called The Once Upon a Time Players which eventually partnered with FDL Community Theater. Putting on fairytale productions like Pinocchio, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Peter Pan and Red Riding Hood this program gave hundreds of kids an opportunity to participate in theater. Mary and her husband, Earl, were among the original families who planned "Pumpkin Place" a Halloween event put on by the residents of East Bank Street in Fond du Lac. For many years, this became the go-to place for Halloween fun and Mary could always be found in her familiar witch costume, cackling at the kids and handing out candy.
She was known for her creativity - always planning fun events and get togethers for friends and family. She and long-time friend, Betty Trent, delivered Gorilla Grams for many years to FDL residents surprising them on birthdays and other special occasions. An excellent writer, Mary would spend hours writing a personalized poem for the gorilla gram recipient. For a number of years, Mary owned and operated the FDL Answering Service - a 24 hour telephone answering service for area doctors, vets, towing companies and other businesses. She also worked for the FDL School District as part of the Gifted and Talented Program. She was a Fond du Lac resident for over 50 years, a period in which the community benefitted enormously from her quiet volunteerism, great enthusiasm and amazing creativity. She will be missed by young and old alike.
Mary is survived by her loving husband - Earl, a daughter Sarah of Beloit, a daughter Margaret (John) of Fond du Lac, a son Thomas of Fond du Lac, a brother Thomas of Illinois, grandchildren-Christopher, Nicholas, Katherine, Shanell, Kyle and Tyler and great grandchildren-Zhanell, Dai-Shoneria, Markia, Kyle, Tyler and Tyren.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude and thanks to the staff at Touchstone Living Center where Mary recuperated for several months and to all the dear friends and family who surrounded Mary with love and support during her final year on this earth.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 3, 2013 from 1-4pm at Uecker Witt Funeral Home with a short memorial service at 4pm.
A memorial has been established in Mary's name to benefit children's theater in the city of Fond du Lac.
Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and guestbook may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Mary, you would laugh to learn that I heard of your passing while singing in the choir at today's Mass. You had a great sense of humor and a tireless energy. I will miss knowing you are here. Rest in peace, dear lady, rest in peace. ?
Socorro Olsen
November 3, 2013
Mary was such a beautiful lady who gave so much to others. I admired her love of children and energy. She will be truly missed. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Sara Austin
November 3, 2013
Truly a great lady and friend. I'll miss Mom I'm truly sorry Earl (Dad)
scott volkaitis
November 3, 2013
Earl - Our condolences are with you and your family. It appears that Mary never lost her organizational skills which made living at the Grey Gables so great. George & Gloria Mathes Green Valley, AZ
November 3, 2013
Maggie- We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Your mom sounds like she was an amazing women who made a difference in so many people's lives. A true angel who will continue to be with you!
Amy & Lauren Behnke
November 2, 2013
Oh...our Chegwin Queen Bee. She was so beloved by so many children. I'm 36 years old and I've been sobbing about her all night. So many wonderful memories of Mrs. Wohlust, underneath those Chegwin stairs.
To her family - we were so lucky and so grateful. You had the best with her as family. You have some hard holidays coming up, but know that so many Chegwin families are thinking of yours.
Amy (Vollmer) Andrews
November 1, 2013
I remember going down to her basement and picking out costumes to wear for Halloween. She and my mom would have so much fun sitting around trying to find rhyming words for the gorilla gram poems, they were very personalized and they loved doing them. Mary was the trainer and my mom "Gwenolyn" was the gorilla. She so enjoyed making people laugh and helping out anyone who needed anything. I will miss your laugher and energy. Linda Trent
November 1, 2013
Bright, like her personality, she will be missed. Deepest condolences to Earl and family. It was a pleasure to meet you and serve you many years at Gino's.
Angie Quast
November 1, 2013
May God Bless and hold your family during this sad time. My deepest sympathies.
Deborah Toth
November 1, 2013
Earl - you and Mary were one of the first people who welcomed me to the Elks. Over the years you both shared with me your love and wisdome, which I will always cherish! Mary was the type of woman who lead with her heart, was never selfish and loved everyone around her. Having known Mary was a true Honor! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Pam & Ryan
Pam Barr
November 1, 2013
Fond du Lac will never be the same without this wonderful icon. She will be missed very much by many. Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. Earl you have lost a wonderful woman.
Gary and Pat ST Mary
November 1, 2013
Our sincere sympathies to you Earl and family, we will miss her smiling face.
Peggy & Mike Csiacsek
Peggy Csiacsek
November 1, 2013
our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Mary sounded like an awsome lady. Having gotten to know you , Earl, you are one too. Please know you're in our prayers.
Love, Jamie Mikkelsen
November 1, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the entire Wohlust family. Mary was a great lady and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Barb Michels & family
Barb Michels
November 1, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to your family beautiful lady.
Carol and Leo Schneider
November 1, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and her family. Her volunteer work, especially in children's theater was a great blessing to all who were fortunate to work with her.
Therese & Mark Burazin
November 1, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Janet Lewis
October 31, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
The Staff of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home
November 1, 2013
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