Mary E. Naggatz

Sun Prairie - Mary was born on July 28, 1944, in Amery, Wisconsin, and grew up on a farm alongside her brother, Chuck. From an early age, she embraced hard work, faith, and fun – qualities that would define her for the rest of her life. She adored her horse, Cocoa, and often rode him over to visit her high school sweetheart, Ron and his siblings. She was also active in 4-H growing up.

In 1961, she married Ron, whom she often referred to as the love of her life. They started their family right away, even living in the couple’s dorm while Ron was in college. It was the start of a beautiful family she cherished deeply.

She showed up for her family in every way she could, never wanting to miss a get-together or attending an event for one of the grandkids or great-grandkids. She was the definition of an energizer bunny in every way. Once she decided to do something, there was no stopping her. She wasn’t afraid of anything. In fact, she could get a little bossy at times - but that’s how things got done! She was a great leader by actions and words.

Wherever life took her, Mary had a gift for finding – and building – a welcoming committee. Whether she was settling into a new town or greeting new faces at church, she made people feel like they belonged.

She also ran a ceramics business out of her house, where she created beautiful pieces and taught classes, generously sharing her creativity and joy with others.

Mary loved Jesus with ALL her heart, and she would tell anyone she knew (or didn’t know). She would even walk into the Capital and find government officials to pray for. So bold!

Mary was a member of Living Water Church and spent countless hours volunteering for various activities and record-keeping. In many ways, it was her second home. She also served as a Regional Administrator for Stonecroft Ministries, where she helped organize outreach events and connect women to Christ across the region. Sharing God’s good news was of utmost importance to her, and she gave her time and heart to the work of the Kingdom.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Violet Wendt. She is survived by her husband, Ron Naggatz; her children Daniel Naggatz (Julie) and Deanna Endries (John); her grandchildren, Alicia Ganske (Kris), Paige Naggatz, Erynn Snyder (Lawson), Samuel Naggatz (Jenna), and Devan and Chase Endries; her great-grandchildren, Brielyn, Ella, and Alaina Ganske, Violet and Nova Reyes, Hailey Brown and Remington Snyder, her brother Chuck Wendt (Marilyn) and many nieces and nephews.

Her legacy will be felt for many generations and by those who she helped come to know or reunite with the one true Living God.

If your heart is encouraging you to do something in remembrance of Mary, a donation to Stonecroft Ministries would touch her heart.

https://www.stonecroft.org/donate/

A Celebration of Mary’s life will be from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday August 8, 2025 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday August 9, 2025 at LIVING WATER CHURCH, 3075 Prospect St. Sun Prairie, WI 53590.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com