The world lost a loving, caring soul with the passing of Mary Therese Huzzar of New London. She died Monday, October 13, 2014, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was born December 18, 1929, the year of the great stock market crash, as she liked to joke. She was the oldest of five daughters born to Leonard and Alice O’Brien Kranzfelder in Bloomer, WI. She graduated from Bloomer High School, where she was homecoming queen, Valedictorian and was voted most popular girl in her senior class. She also loved acting in school plays and had several leading roles. Mary graduated from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN, and also attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she always spoke fondly of sitting on the porch, reading Shakespeare and enjoying the beauty of the mountains. She arrived in New London in 1951 to begin her teaching career with the kindergarten class at McKinley School.
After marrying Ben Huzzar on June 9, 1953, Mary dedicated the rest of her life to raising her five children and being the most loving grandmother in the world. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her family or for anyone in need. She also took wonderful care of her sister Jo-Jo for more than 30-years in the family home. Mary’s strong faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary gave her the strength to overcome life’s adversities, the insight to see the good in people and the kindness to make all visitors feel welcome in her home…and she had many of them everyday. Mary’s love of reading and learning never faded and she loved sharing stories of her childhood in Bloomer and stories from raising her own children. She was also a big Donald Driver fan and always wore his jersey while watching the game. Mary also volunteered many years delivering Meals on Wheels and at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church and School.
Survivors include her children: Mike (Linda Leicht), Benjie (Connie Moravec), Maureen Rompa (Kevin), Joan Miranti (Tony), Renee (Jim Ulman); grandchildren: Jennifer (Scott Fischer), Ali Smith (Chris), Samantha (Steve Tembei), Nick Rompa (Becky Fellman), Vanessa Rompa, Brandon Rompa and Fred Miranti (Intan) as well as great-grandchildren: Adam and Andi Miranti. She is further survived by her sister Margaret and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Ben, three sisters, Kathryn, Joanne, and Norine and her grandson, Andy.
The Mass of Resurrection for Mary will be held on Friday, October 17, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, New London with Fr. Arul Joseph I celebrating and Fr. Michael Ingold concelebrating. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, from 4-7 p.m. and also on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass. Thanks to special friends, Fr. Joseph, Connie Norby, Sister Magdalena, and Patty DeGoey for all their love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations will be directed to two causes Mary supported, Education in Tanzania and St. John’s Homeless Shelter in Green Bay. The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com