Mary Ann (Fisher) Bracker

FITCHBURG-Mary Ann (Fisher) Bracker, age 79, died on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, at her home in Fitchburg surrounded by her family. After her valiant battle with cancer in 2005, Mary Ann's battle resumed in November 2015, with another cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through nine more months. Mary Ann was born on Oct. 31, 1936, in Algoma, Wis., to Harry and Emily (Cihlar) Fisher, the second daughter of eleven children. She was a 1955 graduate of Nicolet High School, (now West De Pere High School). Mary Ann married Richard J. Bracker on June 27, 1959, in De Pere, Wis., at St. Boniface Catholic Church. She was employed at Brebner Machinery Inc. as a receptionist. Mary Ann liked to go to the casino. She kept her casino money separate and it was to be used ONLY for the casino. Mary Ann also liked playing cards with her card club ladies, and having "afternoon tea" with JoAnn, Rita, and her very, very best friend, Nancy. She was always ready to lend a hand to the needy and truly enjoyed helping others. At the request of Father Bernard Brunette of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mary Ann founded and chaired the Charities Committee for many years. Mary Ann was an avid Packers and Brett Favre fan. For her, Brett made watching the Packers fun. Mary Ann loved kids. She was a newborn foster mom for years and was a childcare provider for many families. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Richard J. Bracker; daughers, Linda Utrie of De Pere, Karen (Kerry Rathburn) Bracker Rathburn of Ashwaubenon, Jill (Rick) Barlament of Ashwaubenon, and Pam Bracker of Madison; grandchildren, Briana Utrie, Dominick Utrie, Alexis Johnson, Brock Johnson, Drew and Ian Rathburn, Matthew and Wesley Barlament, and Samantha (Fred) Halbach; siblings, Betty Janssen of De Pere, Donna Cota of Allouez, Ralph (JoAnn) Fisher of Green Bay, Judi Thorpe of Green Bay, Stanley (Donna) Fisher of Kaukauna, Harry Fisher Jr. of Green Bay, and Thomas (Sue) Fisher of Green Bay; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Fisher of De Pere and Judy Fisher of Green Bay; and very very best friend, Nancy Haupt. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Edward, Norbert, and Robert Fisher; and brothers-in-law, Leo Janssen, William Cota and David Thorpe. A Memorial Mass will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH AT ST. JOSEPH PARISH, 1905 W. Beltline Hwy, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, with Msgr. Thomas Baxter presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002