Mary Jo (Fenner) Brechtl, born December 8th, 1953, passed away peacefully on May 29th, 2026, surrounded by the people who loved her most. She was a devoted wife, mom, sister, and friend whose kindness, strength, humor, and love left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.

Mary Jo grew up on the Isthmus in Madison and graduated from East High School in 1971. She attended UW Madison, studying engineering. She was a member of First Church of Christ Scientist. She was a lifelong Girl Scout and carried those values of adventure, friendship, service, leadership, and helping others throughout her life.

Mary Jo met her husband, Bruce, at the wedding of mutual friends. They married on May 19th, 1973, and welcomed two daughters, Laura and Maria. Mary Jo shared 53 years of marriage and life adventure with Bruce, spending the last 40 years in their home in Waunakee, enjoying scary movies, a good supper club and time Up North.

Mary Jo was an accomplished quilter and seamstress. She gifted her family many beautiful, quilted keepsakes which they treasure.

Mary Jo had a generous heart, a wicked sense of humor, a deep bravery, and a way of making everyone feel welcome. Whether she was sharing stories, offering encouragement, or making people laugh, Mary Jo brought warmth and joy wherever she went.

Several years ago, Mary Jo decided that she wanted to go sky diving. Her family thought she was kidding, but they were wrong. With some help from Seven Hills Skydiving, she made it happen. The skydivers took her in and made her feel like one of them. Her family was there to watch and cheer as she jumped and floated down to the ground. Her smile was huge as she landed and everyone cheered for her.

Family meant everything to Mary Jo, and she was very proud of the people she loved. She taught her daughters to be strong and independent, leading by example with resilience, compassion, and determination.

She especially loved traveling with her sister, Patty, and the two shared many unforgettable adventures and memories over the years. She was the best traveling companion a sister could want, always up for something new without fear. They attempted to breach a private estate in Mexico, only to be turned away by security. They then retired to a tiki bar to laugh over their audacity.

One of Maria’s happiest memories with Mary Jo was during first aid training at the Girl Scout office. One year, due to Mary Jo’s continued hijinks such as ‘my eyeball hurts’ and ‘my arm is killing me’ they almost got kicked out of class. Ultimately, they received passing grades but not before being issued a stern warning from the instructor. Mary Jo was unrepentant and Maria was collapsed in a fit of giggles the entire time.

When Laura decided to move back to Wisconsin from California, Mary Jo was the first person to hop on a plane to join the cross-country road trip with Laura and her cat. Laura will never forget the laughter at one silly situation after another, including being pulled over by the police to examine cans of cat food in case they were contraband items.

Mary Jo goes ahead now to join her parents, Earl and Gertrude (Moore) Fenner.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce; her sister, Patty Fenner; her daughters, Laura (Neil) Stechschulte and Maria (Chris) Ankele, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sherri (Brechtl) and Fred Yates along with extended family members and many dear friends who will miss her deeply.

The family would especially like to thank David, Mary Jo’s caregiver buddy, who made her last 18 months more comfortable with many shared lunches, wide ranging conversations, and loving care.

A celebration of Mary Jo’s life will be held at Olbrich Gardens in the Atrium Room on Sunday, September 20th from 12pm to 3pm. Please bring any stories and songs that make you think of Mary Jo. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) or Girl Scouts of Badgerland Council in honor of Mary Jo’s lifelong spirit of courage, service, and community.

Mary Jo will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved. Happy Trails, dear one.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral Service

2929 Peaceful Valley Pkwy

Waunakee, WI