Mary Anne Grosse

STOUGHTON - Mary Anne (Brodzeller) Grosse, age 82, of Stoughton, passed away in her home after a battle with cancer on Saturday, May 9, 2026. She was born on November 13, 1943, in Milwaukee to Mary and Leo Brodzeller. She was the eldest of six daughters, mother to two children, grandmother to 13 children and great-grandmother to five more children. She also had two stepdaughters and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Mary Anne liked to give little gifts to her friends, neighbors and family. She would find, in her words, “an odd assortment” of things to pass on. It was interesting and fun to see what she would package up…food, magazine articles, flower seeds, socks, scarves and an occasional family heirloom. She loved her neighbors’ dogs and her own “grand dogs” and enjoyed giving them treats. She had her own beloved cats, Max and Lulu, prior to moving to Stoughton.

Mary Anne enjoyed spending time with her sisters. They enjoyed restaurants and events together. She was so fortunate to have them in her life until the very end. They provided her with treats and back rubs, flowers and love.

The biggest love of her life was her childhood sweetheart, William “Bill” Grosse. They attended St. James Elementary school in Madison, WI together. He was a basketball player and she, a cheerleader. When they reunited many years later, after having had first marriages and children, she still had friendship bracelets that they had exchanged. They were married and had a happy life together until he preceded her in death 11 years prior.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Leo; her first husband and father of her children, Dan Kirley; and brother-in-law, Jim Okas.

Mary Anne is survived by her son, Brian (Debra) Kirley and their children, Chris, Megan, Josh and Gabi; her daughter, Christine (Jeff) Gardner and their children, Patrick, Nick, Luke and Mary; Bill’s daughters, Kristin Grosse and Mindy (Jay) Wittenstrom and her children, Nick, Parker Mitchell, Nathan and Samantha; her five sisters, Sue Okas, Kathy (Bill) Batzkall, Judy Grover, Jeanne (Tom) Worden and Laurie (Kelley) Star; and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, with fellowship and light refreshments to follow. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Please no all-black attire. Mary Anne wanted to have an event that wasn’t sad.

Donations appreciated to the Stoughton Hospital for their great care, especially in the ER and third floor.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590