Waunakee/Middleton – Mary J. Hellenbrand Fritsche, age 65, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on February 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with kidney disease.

Mary married Dean Dahmen in 1979, and together they welcomed four beautiful daughters: Molly (Dave) Lesinski, Dawn (Jesse) Mazur, April (Justin) Laabs, and Angela (Brian) White. In 1994, what began as a simple dance led Mary to meet her forever soulmate. She married Timothy Fritsche in 1997, and together they were blessed with a fifth daughter, Mae Fritsche.

Mary was the proud and devoted grandmother of twelve grandchildren: Emily, Katelynn, June, Reid, Olivia, Bryce, Hayden, Emma, Remy, Ethan, Hayley, and Blake, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

For over 15 years, Mary lovingly ran an in-home daycare, touching the lives of countless children and families. She found happiness in camping and family vacations, spending time at her family cottage, tending to her garden, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and bird watching. Mary also cherished crafting with her beloved friends, and treasured the memories they created together, including a special trip to Paris, France.

Mary is survived by her siblings Jim, Mark, Rick, Cathy, Cindy, Lori, and Gail; many cherished nieces and nephews; her beloved dog Phoebe; her grand-dog Chanel; and a large extended family of relatives and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

She is now reunited in eternal peace with her parents, Joe and Lois Hellenbrand; her brother, Bill Hellenbrand; her nephew, Jason Hellenbrand; and her beloved cat, Dolly.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00p.m. at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee. A private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary’s honor to the National Kidney Foundation or charity of your choice. Please share your memories at www.cressfunerlaservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral Service

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI