Mary Jane Eleanor Berres, age 92, resided at Felician Village and longtime resident of 809 MacArthur Drive, passed away surrounded by her adoring family on June 22, 2023. She is now in heaven wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus.
She was born in Hartford, Wisconsin on July 27, 1930, daughter of the late John and Amanda (Hagan) Frings. She attended St. Killian Grade School and graduated from Hartford High School in 1948.
On October 8, 1982, she married Joseph Berres who preceded her in death on September 30, 1992.
Mary’s passion in life was her children. She made each of us feel like we were her favorite! Family was everything to our Mama. She felt so blessed to have four boys and four girls. She always made time for us and was so selfless, putting our wants and needs before her own.
Her faith was extremely important to her, and she instilled those same strong Catholic values in her children, sending all of us through Catholic grade school and Roncalli High School.
Mama had a variety of interests including crocheting many doilies, quilting (each grandchild got a homemade quilt when they were born), knitting, baking (homemade bread every Monday) and attending every event we were involved in and this even included grand and great-grandchildren. Playing cards and game nights, camping, puzzles and our yearly trip to a cottage were all favorites, lots of laughs and so much fun mostly because she was surrounded by those she loved. We believe her answering machine message says it all “Can’t come to the phone right now, I am out having fun with my kiddos!”
Mom volunteered many hours at both her parish and our schools. She was honored to receive the Roncalli LaSallian Service Award…she was so nervous that night as she had to make a speech, but she was so happy as all of us were there to share that special evening with her.
Besides her most important job being the best Mama, Mary worked at and retired from US Bank. She also worked part-time for years at various supper clubs.
Mary is survived by her loving children: Cyndi (Bill) Kraemer, Christine Miller, Larry (Sue) Meyer, Julie (Lee) Free, Ned (Denise) Reimer, Heidi (Dave) Mrozinsky, John (Theresa) Reimer, and Nick (Julie) Reimer and four dear stepchildren David (Jeannie) Reimer, Steve (Kathe) Reimer, Mark (Jean) Reimer and Chris Yarborough & Ron, and her beloved 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, numerous special nieces and nephews, as well as so many good friends.
Mary was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Hillary Frings, Carl (Mary) Frings, Don (Helen) Frings and two sisters and one brother-in-law, Grace (Paul) Hauser and Betty Rattray, mother-in-law, Marcella Meyer, two sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law, Webster Meyer, Margaret (Henry) Klink and JoAnne (Earl) Sobiek, and her extra special Uncle Albert (Uncie), and the fathers of her children, Marvin Meyer and Eugene Reimer,
Our Mama was known for her kind heart, loving spirit, quick wit and infectious smile. Seriously, we don’t know anyone who met her that didn’t love her. She was amazing. Can’t begin to say how much this special lady will be missed. She will never, ever be forgotten and will always be in our hearts. You are now our angel in heaven watching over us as you did all of our lives.
We love you, Mama, UTTSABA (Up To The Sky and Back Again!!).
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 30, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2109 Marshall Street, Manitowoc. The celebrant will be Fr. Matt Colle. Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, June 29, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th Street and on Friday, June 30 at St. Francis of Assisi Church from 9:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am.
And we’d like to conclude with these final words from Mama “Be Careful and I Love You” which she told us every time we parted as she waved goodbye…
Where do we begin to say thank you to the wonderful caregivers, Felician Sisters and staff who enriched each day of our mother’s life with their loving care and concern They have become “family” to us and will always have a special place in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Roncalli Catholic Schools which was near and dear to our Mother’s heart.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com