Mary Hawlish

Mary Susan Steker was born in Milwaukee, the daughter of Edgar and Susan (Thelen) Steker. Mary graduated from U.W.-Oshkosh with a degree in Geography. She then went on to St. Louis University and received a Masters Degree in Geography. After teaching briefly in junior college, she became employed by St. Louis County Social Services.

With her mother in failing health, Mary retuned to Wisconsin, working for Waushara County Social Services, and on August 26, 1978, she married Christopher Hawlish, whom she had met at U.W.-Oshkosh.

In mid-life Mary returned to college, earning a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling. She then worked for the School District of Westfield as an elementary school counselor and later as a school principal. She has been retired for five years.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother John. She is survived by her husband; her sons Jonathan, Robert, James (Deanna), John (Sarah), Scott, Nathaniel, A.J., and Christian; her sister Jane of Racine, and her brother Robert (Suzan) of Pewaukee. Mary is further survived by her grandchildren Colin, Jonah, and Brooklyn, nieces and nephews, and many friends, including Jean McGraw and Diane Sunday.

Mary and Chris were foster parents for almost thirty-five years and cared for many children in their home for short or long stays. Joey, Zach, and Dakota are currently there.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Wautoma with Rev. Robert Hanson officiating.

Visitation will be held at the Church on Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established for Hospice and the American Cancer Society.