SternMaryJane

Mary Jane M. Stern of Port Washington, WI, age 92, died Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Port Washington.

She was born on May 7, 1923, daughter of Charles C. and Clara Karrels in the Town of Port Washington. One of nine children, Mary Jane grew up on the family farm, graduating from Port Washington High School.

On October 14, 1944, Mary Jane married Lawrence N. Stern of the Town of Saukville at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake Church. Together they lived for many years on Hawthorne Drive, outside of Fredonia. Lawrence preceded her in death on December 18, 1989.

For many years, Mary Jean owned and operated Ideal Irrigation Equipment Company of Port Washington. A few years after her husband passed away, Mary Jane moved to Port Washington. She had been an active member of her church, volunteering extensively with funeral fellowships. She regularly shared her time at the Port Washington Food Pantry and the Harbor Club.

She is survived by her sister Pearl (the late Melvin) Lauters of Port Washington; her brothers Daniel (Ellen) Karrels of Milwaukee and Allen (Kay) Karrels of Saukville; sister-in-law Nina Karrels of Milwaukee, brother-in-law Dan Baertlein of Williams, AZ; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, her sisters Alice and Joe Ott and Clara Jean Baertlein and her brothers Robert Karrels, Cyril and Ann Karrels and Roland and Marge Karrels. She is also preceded in death by her sisters-in-law Luella and Leo Wellenstein and Elinor and Roman Volesky and her brother-in-law Henry and Bernadette Stern.

Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 6PM Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church, 1802 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington. Reverend Patrick Wendt will be the celebrant. Visitation will be from 4-6PM Tuesday AT CHURCH. Entombment St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington.

Memorials to the Port Washington Food Pantry, 1800 N Wisconsin Street, Port Washington are appreciated.

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington assisting the family. Information and condolences available at www.poolefh.com or 262/284-4431.

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