Mary Jorstad

Middleton/Madison-Mary Jorstad, age 99, of Middleton, died unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Meriter Hospital.   She was born on September 7, 1915, In Madison, the daughter of Leonardo and Antonina Grignano.  She grew up in the Italian "Greenbush" neighborhood and was a graduate of Madison Central High School.  While working at Melster Candy Co., she met the love of her life, Arne Jorstad.  They were married on May 7, 1941 and spent 56 wonderful years together.  Later, Mary began her career, initially working as a waitress and then was named manager of the soda grill at Rennie's #1 until her retirement in 1978.  After retirement, she and Arne enjoyed traveling, enjoying winters at their home in Florida, and summers in the Adams Friendship area.  Later, they returned to Madison area, where they made Middleton their home for the next 28 years.  She was a member of St. Bernard's Parish in Middleton.  Mary proudly lived independently until January, when she became a resident of Oakwood Tabor Oaks Assisted Living.  She enjoyed reading, taking care of her flowers, and cooking and baking for everyone.  She delighted in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Lucille (Michael) Werlein; son-in-law, James Gundlach; six grandchildren, Jaci (Wayne) Green, Brett (Pam) Werlein, Brad (Jill) Werlein, Scott (Steffany) Gundlach, Kari (Brian) Treadway, Keea (Jeff) Taylor; 13 great-grandchildren, Jesse and Jamie Green, Haley and Jacob Werlein, Riley and Reese Werlein, Ashley, Julia and Cale Gundlach, Taylor, Alexis and Morgan Treadway, and Coleton Taylor; step-grandchild, Jared Taylor.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Arne; daughter, Rita Gundlach; infant son, Bobbie; granddaughter, Kristin Gundlach; three brothers, Tony, Jack and Sam Grignano; and sister, Jenny (Harold) Post. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH  , 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, Wisconsin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2015.  Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday.   This kind, beautiful, selfless woman was a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who led our family with a quiet dignity.  She was a true inspiration to us all and we were blessed to have her in our lives.   She and dad are dancing the "Tennessee Waltz" together again.  Online condolences may be made at:  www.gundersonfh.com