BARNEVELD - Mary Esther Mennes, age 87, of Barneveld, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025. She was born on March 9, 1938, in Yuma, Ariz., to Gil and Esther (Ryan) Beeler.

Mary was a vibrant woman-truly one of a kind. She had a warm heart, sharp wit, and made everyone feel welcome. Her strength, humor, and deep love for family and friends left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

Her story began out west-her dad worked as a welder in the Utah Copper mines and on the Los Angeles Aqueduct. During World War II, the family moved to Detroit, where he welded landing craft, while her mom kept things steady as a CNA and homemaker. Eventually, they returned to New Albin, Iowa, where Mary attended high school, played basketball, studied piano, fell in love with her twin reflex camera, and created a lifetime of stories with her cousins-many of which she was still sharing last week.

Though she once swore she’d never become a teacher (because every other person in her family already was), she earned a master's degree from Iowa State and spent her career doing just that. As a Professor of Food Science/Emeritus at UW-Madison and later with UW-Extension, she connected deeply with students of all ages, authored many food preservation publications, and served on committees and panels that ranged from World Dairy Expo to Bologna Judging to monthly spots on Wisconsin Public Radio.

Mary was a Badgers and Packers superfan (with the branded wardrobe to prove it) and a proud Kiwanian-Club President in 1998, Division Lt. Governor in 2001, and recipient of the Hixson Award. She loved music, World War II history, books, cooking, and spontaneous road trips. “I think I’ll drive out west for a week,” she would casually announce. You could talk to Mary about anything-sports, food, music, or some obscure bit of trivia. People often said, “You never leave a conversation with Mary without learning something new.”

While Mary was a woman with many interests, taking care of her loved ones was always her first priority. Mary’s daughter, Maryellen, was inspired by her mom’s love of music and piano. As Maryellen played in numerous bands, Mary was her number one groupie, traveling from show to show. In addition, they shared the spirit of adventure and loved traveling together. Mary was proud of her Irish heritage and made a memorable family trip with her Donahue cousins to Ireland in 2015.

Aaron and Lily gave Mary the title of “Grams” which became her favorite role. Her patience, fine-tuned by years of raising Maryellen, provided a steady source of love, guidance, and generosity. Grams was always conveniently next door, serving as a safe haven to escape a trivial chore, providing a homemade snack, or offering last-minute help with a school project.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Maryellen Jenson; her grandchildren, Aaron Jenson (wife, Andrea Brdek) and Lily Jenson; and the Donahue family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gil and Esther; her son-in-law, Jeff Jenson; and cousin, Marguerite Donahue.

During her illness, she was surrounded by exceptional care from Upland Hills Hospice and the daily love and presence of family and friends-Ashley, Kelly, Mia, Betty, Carla, Chris, Lynn, and Rich-who brought comfort and joy. The family is forever grateful.

A funeral service will be held at Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral and Cremation Care, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Barneveld. A luncheon will be held at Hi-Point Steak House in Ridgeway at 1 p.m. If you are not attending the burial, feel free to head straight there-everyone is welcome to join in and raise a glass to Mary.

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

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-50

Mary M Mennes

March 09, 1938 - July 20, 2025

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