MaryAnn Wieber

One thing that was unmistakable about MaryAnn Wieber was her insatiable zest for life that remained until her last days. She brought such life to those around her whether it was through her great sense of humor, her spirit of generosity, or her listening ear that was always at the ready. MaryAnn was blessed to share more than 50 years with the love of her life with whom she established the family that was her greatest pride and joy. She had a vibrant faith that was the guide map she used to make her way throughout her life that spanned many decades. It was MaryAnn’s diverse palette of life experiences that shaped her into the extraordinary woman who was loved by so many.

The twenties were a great time to be an American as technology and innovation were bursting around every corner. The end of WWI ushered in prosperous times as jobs were plentiful with an unemployment rate just over five percent. These were exciting times for the family of John and Martha (Fedewa) Bohr as well since on February 10, 1922, they welcomed their daughter, MaryAnn, into their hearts and home. MaryAnn was born in Westphalia, Michigan, as the third of six girls in her family. She was raised in the Christian faith from an early age and was baptized not once, but three times. Her first baptism provided a unique story to share for years to come. MaryAnn was only eight hours old when her father took her across the fields by horse and sleigh during a blizzard just to get her to the church. She was raised on the family farm and truly enjoyed sharing her experiences of life on the farm throughout her life. MaryAnn hated to bring the cows in to be milked since there were snakes in the lane and pasture – a most unwelcome sight to a young girl! Threshing grain was always a big day in which all the neighbors would come to lend a hand. One of MaryAnn’s most favorite things about the farm was witnessing the births of the baby lambs each spring. In many ways, farming requires an intuitiveness about nature and in the Wieber family, they predicted the weather by the moon and the clouds.

Life during the twenties and thirties was definitely different than the life we know today. MaryAnn survived rheumatic fever as a child, which during those days was quite a feat. She was told she would never walk again, but her grandfather was determined that this not be her fate so he rubbed her feet and legs for hours on end in order to improve circulation. Needless to say, this practice certainly helped. During this generation, many young people were not able to receive a formal education since they were more often needed either on the farm or in the workplace during the trying times of the Great Depression. However, MaryAnn did attend school, making the one-and-a-half mile walk to and from school each day.

After graduating as one of only six in 1940, life took MaryAnn down a few different paths. She went to work at a factory in Ionia for a time, but later went into the banking industry. MaryAnn worked in the loan department for American Bank & Trust of Lansing, although it was her personal life that became the most exciting during this time. While attending a dance in Westphalia one evening, MaryAnn made the acquaintance of a handsome young serviceman who served during WWII and had just been home for one week. His name was Giles Wieber and from that night forward, a relationship blossomed into a deep love for one another. They later married on June 24, 1950, beginning a new chapter in their lives. MaryAnn and Giles shared a special marriage, and she supported him during the time he was part-owner of Wieber Lumber in Fowler. She was overjoyed to become a mother to her son, Michael, and MaryAnn completely embraced her role as a mother.

In addition to her family, there were many other ways in which MaryAnn’s tender heart touched others. She spent countless hours volunteering with different organizations throughout her community. MaryAnn was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church where much of her volunteer efforts were directed. She volunteered in the gift shop at Clinton Memorial Hospital in St. Johns. MaryAnn was also proud to serve as the president of the Daughters of Isabella, a female auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus.

Over the years, MaryAnn enjoyed many things for which she will be remembered. She was such a snappy dresser who always loved shopping for the latest fashions. Like so many women do, MaryAnn treasured her weekly visits to the hairdresser where the good times and meaningful conversations were always plentiful. She enjoyed going to the cottage at Crystal Lake, and sharing laughter and fellowship with her friends through her affiliation with Christian Mothers. When she was blessed with her granddaughter Angie, nothing could have thrilled her more, and spending time with Angie quickly became one of her most favorite activities.

For so many reasons, MaryAnn was such an extraordinary woman who was so dearly loved. Her door was always open for anyone in need of a listening ear. She loved talking to people and felt honored to help guide those who needed help with any of life’s problems. MaryAnn was a true caretaker who tenderly cared for her husband while he battled both emphysema and cancer. Even as she neared the end of her life, her sense of humor remained intact, and she was always joking with the nurses. MaryAnn also maintained her love for life stating that she felt like dancing the very day before she died.

No matter what she was doing, MaryAnn Wieber had a graceful elegance about her that radiated to those around her. She loved a great many things throughout her life such as music, dancing, and shopping, yet nothing came close to the love she had for others. MaryAnn was always looking for ways to serve people, forever ready to selflessly give of herself. She leaves behind a legacy rich in faith, compassion, and graciousness that will live on in the family she cherished above all else.

MaryAnn Wieber died on Saturday, February 20, 2010. MaryAnn’s family includes her son, Michael (Debra) Wieber, one granddaughter, Angela Wieber, all of Lansing, three sisters, Rosella Bohr of Lansing, Adelaide (Bruce) Anderson of Redford, and Joan Bohr of Lansing. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband in 2000 and two sisters, Dorothy Schrauben and Romilda Manning. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, February 23, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, burial at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. The family will receive friends 7-9 p.m. Sunday evening and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Monday evening at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, Fowler with rosaries being prayed 8 p.m. Sunday and 3 and 8 p.m. Monday. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Most Holy Trinity Education Fund or the Sparrow Hospice Foundation.