Cottage Grove - Mary Ann Gehring, age 84, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on March 16, 1940, in Hartford, Wis., the daughter of John and Celia (Mueller) Gehring.

Mary was a graduate of Hartford High School. She met Kenneth Gehring in Hartford at a polka dancing, and after several years of dating, they were wed in St. Lawrence, Wis., on November 26, 1960. Mary had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel and golf with family and friends. She bowled on a league for many years and made lifelong friends. After staying home and raising the kids, she worked for over 20 years as an administrative assistant for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and would do anything for her family. Her friends were very important to her and she enjoyed spending time with them pursuing her hobbies or just visiting over lunch. They were there for her through the end of her life. While she had challenges in life, she stayed optimistic and positive. She inspired her children by setting an example of how to live a great life. Mary loved spending time with her grandchildren. She created experiences for them by taking them to the zoo, the Madison Children's Museum, Ella’s Deli and on many other adventures around Madison.

Mary is survived by her husband, Kenneth; two sons, Mark (Cheryl) Gehring and Mike Gehring; daughter, Jodie (Peter) Arenz; grandsons, Zack (Jose) Arenz and Ben (Sydney) Arenz; granddaughters, Emily (Nick Hradisky) Arenz, Cassidy (Cesar Gomez) Gehring and Jillian Gehring; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Arenz and Aubrey Arenz; sister, Eileen (Ruben) Gundrum; brother, Dennis Gehring; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Brian Gehring; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Mary Ann Gehring; sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Dennis) Gehring; and sister, Emily Gehring.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, with Father Chad Droessler presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Mary A. Gehring

March 16, 1940 - December 22, 2024

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