Mary Beth Hellenbrand

Mary Elizabeth "Mary Beth" (Statz) Hellenbrand, age 81, of Waunakee, passed away on September 10, 2025, in her husband's loving arms due to Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2014.

Born and raised in Waunakee, Mary Beth lived there most of her life - with approximately six years spent in Waterloo. She was married to her devoted husband and high school sweetheart, Richard, for 61 years. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love and laughter. They raised six children, teaching them the values of faith, family and commitment. As Mary Beth’s health declined, Richard’s devotion never wavered—he was faithfully by her side every day at the nursing home, a true testament to the vows they shared so many years ago.

Mary Beth spent 36 years working at Central Wisconsin Center, where she poured her heart into helping people with disabilities.

She was always planning a party and organizing games which kept family at the center of her life. Having a large family meant there was always something to celebrate and a reason to bring everyone together. Her happiest moments were spent with her children, 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; whether at home or traveling together on annual family trips that became treasured traditions.

Mary Beth was a talented quilter and enjoyed quilting at Cattail Retreat. She passed those talents on to her children and grandchildren, leaving them with many quilts to keep them warm and wrapped in her love. She also loved to play cards at The Willows with friends. Additionally, Mary Beth enjoyed antiquing, refinishing furniture, crafts, and decorating her home— lovingly built by them in 1992. As the family grew larger over the years, celebrations often spilled into the garage, where Richard installed a heater so that “Christmas in the Garage” could become one of her beloved annual traditions. That home now stands as a reflection of her creativity, filled with her treasured collections, handmade touches, and the memories of a lifetime of family gatherings.

Mary Beth was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Melissa; her parents, Bill and Ann; and her brother, DuWayne. She is survived by her husband, Richard; her children: Richard (Paula) Hellenbrand, Roxanne (Don) Krueger, Kristin (Allen) Koberstein, Heather (Jeff) Kippley, Brandon (Kristi) Hellenbrand, Tiffany (Jon) Meyer; her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters and their families, and also a lifetime of friends.

Mary Beth’s life beautifully reflects the words of Psalm 128:3: “a fruitful vine at the center of her home, with children and grandchildren like olive shoots gathered joyfully around her table". Her legacy of love will continue to grow in all whose lives she touched.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Fr. Simon at St. John's Church, the Waunakee Valley Senior Living staff and Agrace Hospice, for the wonderful care and kindness they provided to Mary Beth over the last year.

Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025 at St John’s Catholic Church, 209 South St Waunakee. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will be in St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Town of Westport. A reception will follow at Rex’s Innkeeper.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations would be greatly appreciated toward Masses offered for Mary Beth.

Please share your memories of Mary Beth here in her guestbook.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513