Meryl Rae Manhardt

FITCHBURG/MADISON- Meryl Rae Manhardt, age 63, of Fitchburg, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011 at HospiceCare, Inc. in Fitchburg, surrounded by her loving family, after losing a battle with multiple myeloma. She was born in Milwaukee on Dec. 10, 1947 the daughter of Raymond Manhardt and Carol (Bruss) Manhardt. Meryl graduated from Washington High School in Milwaukee and earned her bachelor of arts degree in history in 1969 and her law degree in 1972 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She was active in dormitory and university student government. During her last year of law school, she was a founding board member and initial incorporator of the Wisconsin Student Association (WSA) Community Pharmacy. After receiving her law degree, she worked for the Legal Aid Society of Dane County and then in 1975 she was among the first women to be appointed as a Dane County assistant district attorney, where she specialized in juvenile law until her retirement in 2007. Meryl was a wonderful, loving and understanding mother and sister who cared for all, putting others before herself. Whether enjoying life by traveling the world or pursuing her passion for history through voracious reading, Meryl always had a smile on her face and a laugh in her heart. She is survived by her sons, Peter Michael and David Stephen Liethen; and brothers, Mark (Betsy) Manhardt, Matt (Deanna) Manhardt and Michael Manhardt. Meryl was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Sue Manhardt; and step-mother, Donna (Thompson) Manhardt. A memorial mass will be held at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Hwy, Madison, at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from noon until the time of service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Society. The family would like to thank all of Meryl’s friends and care givers for providing her love and support throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Society Visitation will be held at the church from noon until the time of service on Tuesday. A memorial mass will be held at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Hwy, Madison, at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding.