Obituary for Mary Ann Gruman (Papke)
Our dear mother Mary Ann Gruman, born January 26, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI sadly passed away on March 2, 2023 at an age of 92 years old. Mary is survived by daughter Kathy, son Kyle and husband Tim Tiefenthaler and younger daughter Connie, sons Jay and Adam, daughter Nadia and husband Hasan Tarbah. Her surviving siblings sister Pat, son Craig and daughter Susy and husband John Mattoon with brother Brian, sons Greg and Christopher and wife Christine Papke.
Mary and her first husband, Joesph Keller, lived in Richfield, WI for many years before moving to West Bend, WI in 1991 and building the house of their dreams. After Joseph passed away from Cancer she met Lawrence Gruman and was lucky enough to fall in love a 2nd time and marry. Together they spent their summers at their gorgeous house in Eagle River on Cranberry Lake in the Northwoods. As a couple they entertained family and friends that visited during the Summer months. They would cruise the lakes on their Pontoon boat and she loved to “wet her hook” along the way. They would spend Fall and the Christmas holiday at their West Bend residence. Eventually, the “snow birds” would head to Sun City, AZ. to enjoy warmth and many attractions located in that area.
Through the years, Mary pursued many hobbies and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe. One of her goals on her bucket list was to travel to each state which she accomplished, collecting a decorative plate from each state along the way. Mary enjoyed customizing and improving her home in West Bend, there were new projects underway at all times. she was never intimidated by the size of the task at hand; Mary stained and varnish all of the unfinished woodwork throughout the house, she sponge painted the bedroom walls, designed and crafted the leaded glass windows for the dining room cabinet to name a few of her endeavors. Her garden was a treasure to behold. Early spring, tulips and daffodils would surface bringing a colorful array of flowers throughout Summer into Fall. Several bird feeders were strategically placed around the house so she could watch the birds coming and going, she especially enjoyed the hummingbirds. Mary also loved to sew, crochet and embroider. She lovingly sewed many specialty dresses for her granddaughter which were admired by all. Everyone who knew Mary would agree that her true passion was cooking. She enjoyed watching the cooking shows on Saturday afternoons, attempting new recipes, and participating in Cooking Classed with her daughter Kathy. When family and friends visited she impressed all with delicious dinners and not an empty stomach was allowed to leave.
Mary will be missed by all who were close to her. As per Mary's request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. In place of sending flowers, please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice.
Mary and her first husband, Joesph Keller, lived in Richfield, WI for many years before moving to West Bend, WI in 1991 and building the house of their dreams. After Joseph passed away from Cancer she met Lawrence Gruman and was lucky enough to fall in love a 2nd time and marry. Together they spent their summers at their gorgeous house in Eagle River on Cranberry Lake in the Northwoods. As a couple they entertained family and friends that visited during the Summer months. They would cruise the lakes on their Pontoon boat and she loved to “wet her hook” along the way. They would spend Fall and the Christmas holiday at their West Bend residence. Eventually, the “snow birds” would head to Sun City, AZ. to enjoy warmth and many attractions located in that area.
Through the years, Mary pursued many hobbies and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe. One of her goals on her bucket list was to travel to each state which she accomplished, collecting a decorative plate from each state along the way. Mary enjoyed customizing and improving her home in West Bend, there were new projects underway at all times. she was never intimidated by the size of the task at hand; Mary stained and varnish all of the unfinished woodwork throughout the house, she sponge painted the bedroom walls, designed and crafted the leaded glass windows for the dining room cabinet to name a few of her endeavors. Her garden was a treasure to behold. Early spring, tulips and daffodils would surface bringing a colorful array of flowers throughout Summer into Fall. Several bird feeders were strategically placed around the house so she could watch the birds coming and going, she especially enjoyed the hummingbirds. Mary also loved to sew, crochet and embroider. She lovingly sewed many specialty dresses for her granddaughter which were admired by all. Everyone who knew Mary would agree that her true passion was cooking. She enjoyed watching the cooking shows on Saturday afternoons, attempting new recipes, and participating in Cooking Classed with her daughter Kathy. When family and friends visited she impressed all with delicious dinners and not an empty stomach was allowed to leave.
Mary will be missed by all who were close to her. As per Mary's request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. In place of sending flowers, please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice.