Mary Lynn Pekarek, age 75, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial in Manitowoc on September 24, 2023 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing.
Mary was born on February 10, 1948 to the late Alvin and Bernice (Kortens) Novak. She grew up in Mishicot and graduated from Mishicot High School with the class of 1966. On October 22, 1966 she married the love of her life, David Pekarek, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot. While her children were young, Mary worked as a waitress for many years at the Lighthouse Inn in Two Rivers and then the Inn on Maritime Bay in Manitowoc. She and her husband worked opposite shifts for many years to ensure that one of them was always home with their three children. Later in life, after her children were grown, Mary took on the challenge of working as a computer operator at Hamilton Industries in Two Rivers, followed by Johnsonville in Kohler. Of all the jobs she had, Mary most enjoyed her job as wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Mary enjoyed camping with her camping family at Maple Heights campground in Lakewood, WI. She was known as the “camping mom” to many of her friends there. After the passing of her husband, she also enjoyed taking bus trips with her traveling buddy and sister-in-law, Linda Pekarek. Just prior to her passing, she had a wonderful trip to Maine, where she made new friends. It was difficult for Mary after the passing of her husband, as they did everything together, but her children were so proud of her for venturing out and making new friends.
Mary is survived by her three children, Mark (Shelly) Pekarek, Two Rivers, Jeff (Adria) Pekarek, Manitowoc, and Kari (Chad) Daffner, Two Rivers; six grandchildren, Shawna (Jarrin) Dennis, Austin and Dylan Pekarek, Alex, Tyler, and Cameron Daffner; three great granddaughters, Jocelyn Pekarek, Gemma and Ivy Dennis, one great grandson, Archie Dennis; two sisters, Barb (John) Taddy, and Brenda (Don) Bartels; 3 brothers Sylvan (Ginger) Novak, Allen (Barbara) Novak, Roger (Sandy) Novak; brother-in-law Dan Pekarek, sister-in-law Linda Pekarek, best friend Howie Corbisier and his daughter, Tammy, as well as other beloved nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Bernice Pekarek, father-in-law and mother-in-law Donald and Joan Pekarek, brother-in-law Donald, and best friend Bev Corbisier.
The family will be having a celebration of life for family and friends at Tipsy Tomato, located at 1228 Memorial Drive, Manitowoc, WI on Saturday, October 7 from 3:00 PM until everyone is ready to go home. Food and beverages will be provided by the family. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
Mary’s family would like to extend their thanks to the wonderful nursing staff at Froedert Holy Family Memorial, especially Deanna, Erika, Heidi, and Julia, for the kind and compassionate care that they provided. We will be forever grateful.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.