Mary A. Pable

Mary Anne (Gilsdorf) Pable was born on January 18, 1932 in Hilbert, Wisconsin. She came into this world crying, while her family and friends rejoiced.
On October 13, 2024 in Appleton, Mary (92) left this world rejoicing, as her family and friends cried. She rejoiced in meeting her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Reuniting with those she loved who had passed on before, Mary joined her husband of nearly fifty years, Lawrence, her parents, Joseph M. and Martha M. (Leonhard) Gilsdorf of Hilbert, and siblings Joe of Brillion, Catherine (Wahlmeier, formerly Orth) of Hays, KS, and Jim of Rice Lake, son-in-law Richard Vinz of Horicon along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and other family and friends.
A remarkable woman of faith, Mary possessed the unique ability to take everything in stride. Not much could rattle her. Mary could recognize the good in everything and everyone, even when the rest of the world could not. The times she fell short, she would humbly submit to the will of God, knowing that He had a plan, saying "while we don't know what His plan is, we know it's a good plan."
Mary attended elementary and high school in Hilbert, and she completed her registered nurse training at the Agnesian School of Nursing in Fond du Lac in 1953.
Mary met Lawrence John Pable (Larry) at the Young Christian Workers group in Fond du Lac where she served as Vice President and Larry as the President. Mary and Larry wed on September 24, 1958 at St. Mary's in Fond du Lac in a marriage mass officiated by Fr. Martin Pable, OFM Cap, Larry's brother. They then joined the Christian Family Movement and served as active members for several years. In1968 Mary and Larry moved their growing young family to Lomira and became lifelong parishioners of St. Mary's Catholic Church, volunteering in many capacities throughout the years. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother of nine, grandmother of 23, great-grandmother of 12 and loyal friend to all.
Exemplifying her heart for service, Mary allowed her nursing career to serve as her vocational ministry at Rolling Meadows Nursing Home for 20 years.
Mary loved to travel both domestically and internationally. She made six trips to various destinations in Europe, visited the Holy Land, and relished traveling countless places in the United States with family. She would often advise, "If you have the chance to travel, do it! You might not get another chance." Even now, she's off on her grandest adventure yet!
Happy-go-lucky and spontaneous, Mary was always up for a party with family and friends. At the mere mention of plans, Mary was quick to relay her interest or consideration to join the merriment. She and Larry welcomed holidays and times to spend playing games with family and friends. They exuded love toward one another and all those in their presence.
Known as Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mary lovingly knitted countless blankets full of all the color and zest for life that she shared. To wrap up in a "Nana Blanket" is to feel a hug from one of the most loving faithful women you have ever known. Mary read countless books to all of her kids and grandkids, instilling in each a love of reading and delight in time together over books. The image of her rocking babies is indelible for her family.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." – Proverbs 31:28-29
Mary is survived by her children Anne (Michael) Henry of Fond du Lac, Rose (Robert) Aguirre of Greenville, Therese Vinz of Horicon, Clare (Mark) Bokelman of Ripon, Tony (Shannon) Pable of Buford, GA, Joe (Sherie) Pable of Kearney, MO, Larry Jr. (Necie Elizabeth) Pable of Nashville, TN, Steve (Amee) Pable of Neenah and Mike Pable of Arizona City, AZ, along with 23 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. To these she left instruction to "remember and repeat" her wonderful example of faith and trust in our Lord Jesus.
She would often point out how she made sure to have her four girls first so that they could help with her five boys. To this day, they're still not done helping!
She is further survived by her siblings Leo (Diane) Gilsdorf of Decatur, GA, Margaret Keij of Atlanta, GA and Therese Stogner of Atlanta, GA, sisters-in-law Rosie Gilsdorf of Brillion and Johanna Gilsdorf of Rice Lake, along with nieces and nephews too numerous to count.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division, Fond du Lac. Visitation will also be held at Saint Marys Catholic Church, 59 E. Merrill Avenue, Fond du Lac on Friday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 59 E. Merrill Avenue, Fond du Lac, with internment to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 699 Milwaukee Street, Lomira.
In lieu of flowers, and if desired, memorials can be directed to St. Mary's Parish, 699 Milwaukee Street, Lomira, WI, 53048.