Mary Ann Brandl, 80, formerly of Ripon, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2013, under hospice care at her daughter’s home.
She was born April 18, 1933, daughter of Andrew and Anne (Schnaderbeck) Hussli. Mary Ann married Robert “Bob” Brandl on April 18, 1953 in Mayville, WI. They shared 56 years of marriage before his passing on June 28, 2009. Mary Ann was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October 2012. After a lengthy surgery and recovery, she tolerated the aftermath of neuropathy and the struggle to return to the life of independence. Later, back pain, diagnosed the spread of cancer to the liver. She endured more than anyone should ever have to with devotion to prayer, courage, diligence, meekness, grace and a positive attitude. Mary Ann was very gracious with all the prayers she received, cards and letters that were sent through the time of her illness up until her final days. Reminiscing visits from family and friends, phone calls from her friends that couldn’t visit, especially her classmates whom she was so willing to gather together for yearly class reunion get-togethers.
Mary Ann enjoyed her life that was filled with being a fulltime wife and mom. She enjoyed teaching and living the life of a strong Christian. Her devotion to Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron Saint of animals was shown as she cared for the many birds and animals that could be found around the numerous feeders, bird baths and sheltered areas in the yard. She had great companionship for her dogs: Ginger, Pepper, Missy, Boots and her beloved 15 year old Irish Terrier Zachary. She found pleasure in working part time at the Fond du Lac Department Store, Seifert’s Women’s Clothing Store and at My Favorite Things in downtown Fond du Lac. She volunteered and was a buyer at St. Agnes Hospital Gift Store. She enjoyed the numerous vacations traveling with Bob visiting relatives, especially the Rockies. She returned to those beautiful mountains in October with her daughter, taking a seven day train trip that included Seattle, Sacramento and back home after visiting friends from the Chicago area.
Mary Ann is survived by her only child, Susan Brandl of Waupaca; two grandsons, Matthew Koerwitz and William Brandl-Koerwitz both of Waupaca; her sister, Christine (David) Feucht of Nutrioso, AZ; her brother, Dennis (Janet) Hussli of Mayville; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Bob.
Family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, December 27, 2013 at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St, Fond du Lac, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. There is also visitation on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at St. Catherine Siena Catholic Church, 415 East Fond du Lac St., Ripon, 9:00 to 10:15 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2013, 10:30 am at St. Catherine Siena Catholic Church, Ripon. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery, Fond du Lac. A Memorial has been established in the name of Mary Ann Brandl. Family would like to thank the Waupaca Hospice team, especially Sina and Sarah for their support and exceptional care given to MaryAnn and her family. Special thanks to her caregiver Jera, for lovingly caring for MaryAnn each morning and evening for the past several weeks. Zacherl Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com