Mary Ann (Wandrey) Pfundtner, of Waupaca, was born in Milwaukee on February 22, 1932 to the late Walter and Leone (Salter) Wandrey. She graduated in February 1950, from Nathan Hale High School in West Allis.
On September 8, 1951 she married Paul R. Pfundtner in West Allis. They celebrated 61 years together. Mary Ann found her forever church home with the Moravian Churches in Sister Bay, Daggett, MI and Freedom, WI. Mary Ann was very happy to be a “stay at home Mom” for her 5 children: Mark (Shirley) of Waupaca; Wendy Pfundtner of Waupaca; Steve (Karen) of Chilton; Peter of Menasha; Lynn Hrlevich of Belgium.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jennifer (Robert) Jones; Lucas and Carson; Heather (Dave) Reh, Faith Pfundtner and fiance Kirk Hanna; Daniel (Heather) Pfundtner, Allegra and Mason; Andrew Hrlevich, Patrick Hrlevich, Frances Hrlevich, Eleanor Hrlevich, Erin (Mark) Lock; Chelsea and Clayton; Heather (Jessie) Wade, and Jameson. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved grandson, Michael Pfundtner.
She is survived by her sister: Nancy (Gordon) Hennum, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mary Ann was a Brownie Scout Coordinator in Kewaunee. She helped raise funds for a new library in Kewaunee, and one in Sister Bay.
She served as treasurer for the Friends of Door County Libraries. She also worked at raising funds for the Humane Society in Door County and Brookfield. Mary Ann’s dream came true with two wonderful trips to Ireland with her son, Pete. Besides spending time with her family, she enjoyed her pets very much, loved reading, embroidering, collecting dolls, gardening, music, traveling, corresponding by letters to family and friends. Through the Pearls S. Buck International, Mary Ann sponsored and corresponded with many Amerasian children. Many of these children were left behind by American soldiers and had futures with very little to look forward to. Through the Futures for Children on the Navajo Reservation, she also sponsored and corresponded with children that needed help. Mary Ann took great pleasure working with the children and hoped that they would all have chances for good futures. Through her correspondence with them she wanted to encourage them to finish school, inspire them to not give up, and reach for a positive future. Her favorite saying was, “Before you criticize anyone – walk a mile in their shoes!”
The Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Freedom Moravian Church, W3457 Center Valley Road, Appleton, with Pastor Sandra Crase officiating. The visitation will be on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be in the Sister Bay Moravian Cemetery. Memorials are appreciated to Freedom Moravian Church, Humane Society of Waupaca or Pearl S. Buck International. The Maple Crest Funeral of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.