Mary M. (Radtke) Wanie was born May 5, 1948, in Wausau, Wis. She was the eldest daughter of George and Janet (Cumberland) Radtke. Mary spent her childhood in Wausau where she attended St. Anne’s Catholic Elementary School and Newman Catholic High School, graduating in 1966. She went one year to UW-Marathon campus before going to work at Employer’s Mutual Insurance Company of Wausau, where she met Donald Wanie at a company picnic in 1968. Mary and Don were married April 11, 1970. Two days later, they moved to Juneau, Alaska, where Don had already been working for the State of Alaska. Alaska had been a state for only 11 years when the newlyweds established their first home in Juneau and began what was to be a wonderful adventure lasting more than 30 years.
In Juneau, Mary worked for the State of Alaska. She retired in 1998 as the Human Resources Manager for the Department of Administration. She was great at her job and was well-respected by her co- workers and especially the business managers she supported. Mary loved to cook, often hosting a house full of guests who were treated to wonderful, ethnic, gourmet, and old fashioned down home Midwest cooking. Her other interests included power shopping with her friends Sharon and Judy, boating, fishing (which included landing a 50-Ib. king salmon), camping, her cats, and traveling. Their
travels took them not only throughout much of Alaska, but also to Mexico, Hawaii, Florida and the Caribbean, Europe, and many trips to Canada and the western United States.
Although Don and Mary were not blessed with children, Mary loved kids. When they turned 14 years old, each of her six nephews and nieces were provided a solo trip to Juneau, compliments of Aunt Mary. She took special care to provide each with a vacation and learning experience tailored to their individual interests. They enjoyed comprehensive tours of the Juneau area, hiking, boating, whale watching, fishing, and whatever else they were interested in; all under Mary’s watchful eye.
Mary and Don retired from the State of Alaska and moved home to Wisconsin at the end of 2000, where they built their retirement home on Somo Lake, just a few miles from Tomahawk. Mary and Don spent the next few years taking road trips out West and Southwest, over to the East coast, and down to Florida. They also made several fishing trips into Canada. Mary loved decorating their home with all kinds of Alaska memorabilia inside and beautiful flowers and plants outside. She thoroughly enjoyed
living on the lake, taking pontoon boat rides, snowmobiling, fishing, cookouts, and picnics.
Sadly, in 2005, Mary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and thus began a long difficult struggle with that unrelenting illness. She was a fighter until the very end. On May 23, 2022, Mary lost her battle at age 74. She passed away at Wausau Manor Health Services under the care of staff and Heartland Hospice Care. Members of her family were with her for the final chapter of her beautiful and impactful life.
Mary is survived by Don, her husband, best friend, and companion for 52 years. Also, her sister Patty (Todd) Eckers; nieces Wendy Muench (Mark Lindell) and Sara (Martin) Wanie Gardea; nephews Thad and Nathan Johnson, and David Muench; sister-in-law Erlene (Wanie) Ketchum; brother-in-law Loren Johnson; numerous cousins, and grandniece Zoey.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, paternal and maternal grandparents, mother-in-law and father in-law Robert and Helen Wanie, niece Erin Wanie, brothers-in-law Richard and Philip Wanie, and sister-in-law Gail (Wanie) Johnson.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Wausau Manor Health Services and Heartland Hospice Care for their wonderful and empathetic care during the last several months.
Funeral services for Mary Wanie will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Palmquist’s Farm, N5136 River Rd., Brantwood, Wis. Deacon Dave Bablick will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the service at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made in Mary’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Krueger Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Tomahawk, is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the full obituary and leave online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.