Mary Ann Wolfe

Mary Ann Wolfe, 53, passed away on September 11 surrounded by family after a long journey with cancer. Mary was born in Fond du Lac on January 30, 1961 to Everett and Betty Wolfe. She grew up in “East” Lamartine, attended Lincoln Grade School in Lamartine and graduated from Oakfield High School. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she received her undergraduate degree. Her doctor of juris prudence degree was awarded from the Marquette University Law School.

Mary served her entire career in law in the Wisconsin State Public Defenders Office in Fond du Lac. She was mentored by her supervisor, Bill Retert and was promoted to his position when he retired. Throughout her tenure in law she especially enjoyed mentoring and training the “baby lawyers”. At the time of her illness, Mary was Regional Attorney Manager of the Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Oshkosh, Green Lake and Juneau offices. She was also known as the “go-to” person to answer any legal question anyone in the court house had. She was known throughout the courthouse for her respect, quick wit and sense of humor.

Although Mary had no children of her own she was the proud owner of a succession of English Bulldogs. She was also the crazy and benevolent aunt to her nephews and niece. It was not uncommon for Mary to send financial support or encouragement to family and extended family members struggling with educational expenses.

She enjoyed most sports with special interest in Olympic competition and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Packer games with Mary and her nephew Michael were an entertaining experience as they would notice and comment on features of a game in a very animated manner, always before and many times unnoticed by the television experts. She shared much quality time with Michael as the antagonist, listening ear, counselor, mentor and buddy, with their trip to the Atlanta Olympic Games being one of their most memorable of their many experiences together.

Mary formed a special bond with her niece Kerry when Kerry came to Wisconsin to finish her schooling. Kerry was her roommate and sister sports fanatic for many years. Many mistook Kerry as Mary’s little sister as the two would banter, tease and enjoy life as siblings would.

Mary’s bond with her nephew Scott was not hindered by thousands of miles, they could talk about anything. They would challenge and banter about sports, politics, television shows, and more. She was always a phone call away.

Mary’s relationship with her brother Bob was constant even though for years they were separated by 1800 miles of distance, but they NEVER lost the bond that a brother and sister have. Mary was a “go-to” person for anything and everything. Bob and Cheryl will be impacted for the rest of their lives from the time spent as Mary’s primary care-givers and companions during her final months.

Mary was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Fond du Lac where she had served as an Elder. She was one of the founders and was active in the Back to School Shop, was on the committee for Drug Court for Fond du Lac County, and volunteered annually for the Moot Court for high school students. Mary was honored as one of the 2014 Wisconsin Women in Law by the Wisconsin Law Journal.



Mary was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother John and nephew Michael.

Mary is survived by her sister Katie, brothers Ralph, Bob (Cheryl) and Jim (Cathy), sister-in-law Vicki, niece Kerry, nephew Scott, her work family at the Public Defender’s Office and her English Bulldog Toots.

Mary wanted to thank Dr. Lundburg, Sara, the staff at the Agnesian Cancer Center, the fifth floor nurses at St. Agnes Hospital and her family for their care, support and compassion. The Wolfe family feels blessed that Mary was in the gifted and caring hands of the entire Agnesian Hospice Hope Team especially Cari, Will, Jeff, Colleen and is grateful to their supporting her journey through these last months.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be given in Mary’s name to the Back to School Shop through First Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.

Inspiration found hanging in Mary’s office:

“Everyone brings happiness to this office…

Some when they enter, others when they leave.”

VISITATION: Saturday, September 20, 2014 from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church, 1225 4th St. Rd, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. FUNERAL: Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Jack Harrison officiating. Private family burial will take place on Monday at Rogersville Cemetery.

Additional information and guestbook can be found at www.ueckerwitt.com