Mary H. Wanke

Mary H. Wanke, 95 of Watertown, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 9, 2025.

Mary Helen (Oestreich) Wanke was born on January 28, 1930, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Ruben and Frances (Weyland) Oestreich. She attended St. Henry’s School and graduated from Watertown High School in 1947. She married LaVern Wanke at St. Henry’s Catholic Church on May 14, 1955. Mary was a faithful member of St. Henry’s Parish, where she served on the Parish Council, Liturgy and Education Committees, and as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. She was a member of the Christian Mothers Confraternity, Catholic Women’s Club, and the Saturday Club. Mary had been employed at the Watertown Vocational School, E.E. Hoffer Realty, and was a school secretary at St. Bernard’s school for 12 years, retiring in June 1989. LaVern and Mary enjoyed traveling to many places, including the Holy Land. She also enjoyed bowling, reading, playing cards, watching the Brewers, and get togethers with family members, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary is survived by: two sons John of Watertown and Daniel (Jill) of Madison; two daughters Anne Wanke and Teresa Lehmann of Watertown; four grandchildren James (Megan) Wanke, Julia (Cody) Zeimetz, Michael (Lauren) Wanke, and Samantha (John) Gast Jr.; five great-grandchildren Cameron and Jordan Wanke, Ila and Onyx Zeimetz, and Liam Gast; sister Rose Haznaw; brothers Richard (Jody River) Oestreich and James (Judith Frankfurt) Oestreich; and sister-in-law Lorraine Justmann. Mary is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, husband LaVern in March 2019, beloved granddaughter Courtney, son-in-law Russ Lehmann, sister and brother-in-law Joanne (Jim) Kraemer, sisters and brothers-in-law Donald Haznaw, Clark Justmann, Harold and Gert Wanke and Mary Anne Oestreich.

If desired, memorials in Mary’s name may be made to St. Therese of Lisieux Parish or School.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you for the loving care provided to Mary at Lake Mills Health Services and Rainbow Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 Am on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church of Watertown with Fr. David Drefcinski presiding. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Mary will be laid to rest at St. Henry’s Catholic Cemetery following the service.