Mary Hurlebaus

Mary Ellen (Nemec) Hurlebaus, 72, of Waunakee, passed away Monday, November 10, 2014, peacefully at home after an 8 month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and had everyone together the days prior. Mary was born May 1, 1942, in Hillsboro, WI. She was the daughter of Martin and Margaret (Pepper) Nemec. Mary lived on the family farm until she graduated high school and then moved to Madison to start her working career. She worked at American Family Insurance where she met her husband, Wayne. They were married in Madison on April 29, 1972, and established their home in Waunakee to continue to build their family. Mary worked successfully for many years while raising 5 children and helping to care for many grandchildren. When Mary retired, she opened "Grandma's daycare."

Mary lived for family gatherings and spoiling her grandkids with ice cream and cookies. She was always up for playing baseball in the backyard, organizing Easter egg hunts, playing Farkle, and attending all the grandchildren's events. Mary was an avid Brewer, Packer and Badger fan. She loved camping, especially with family. She always had an open door policy and hosted lots of friends and family with food any time. Wayne and Mary enjoyed many vacations to Florida, Arizona, and Indiana.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Hurlebaus; sons, Jeffery (Sheila) Hurlebaus of Owen, WI, Gregory (Susan) Hurlebaus of Rochester, MN, Timothy (Denise) Hurlebaus of Waunakee, Randy (Jennifer) Hurlebaus of Waunakee; daughter, Carrie (Theran) Jacobson of Waunakee; 15 grandchildren, Wilmar Hurlebaus, Edmund Hurlebaus, Jennifer Hurlebaus, Jessica Hurlebaus, Alexander Hurlebaus, Amanda Lee, Rebecca Lee, Miranda Hurlebaus, Tayler Hurlebaus, Cameron Hurlebaus, Zachary Hurlebaus, Luke Hurlebaus, Keegan Jacobson, Sedona Jacobson, and Easton Jacobson; and 1 great-grandson, Nicolae Hurlebaus. Mary is also survived by her brother, Richard (Theresa) Nemec; sister-in-law, Judy (David) Marquardt; and brother-in-law, Dennis (Pam) Hurlebaus; and many other cousins and nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; son, Mark; and brother-in-law, Gary Hurlebaus.

Mary was always concerned with taking care of her family above herself and we will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be at WINN-CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 5785 Hwy Q Waunakee, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, at 10 a.m. with funeral service following starting at 11:30 a.m. Rev. Brent Bickel will preside. Burial will take place in Norway Grove Cemetery in DeForest after the service.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI