Mary J. Smith

Mary J. Smith, 91, of Wausau, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Copperleaf Memory Care of Schofield under the care of Interim Hospice.

She was born in Fenwood on March 25, 1932 to the late Charles and Sophia (Wagner) Crothers.  Mary married Jerry Grosskreutz and he preceded her in death on December 12, 1985.  She later married Duane Smith on August 17, 1991 at First English Lutheran Church in Wausau and he preceded her in death on January 30, 2015.

Mary will be remembered as a people person, and she loved and cherished her family.  For many years she was active on her CB Radio by the name Mama Bear.  She was a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary and First English Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed her friends and trips to the casino together.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Cheryl Grosskreutz, Suzette (Steve) Gorectke, Sandra Kell (Randy Griffith), and Steven (Tammy) Grosskreutz; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; parents, Charles and Sophia; and daughter, Deborah Spatz.

A funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, with Rev. Barry Levine officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Burial will take place at a later date in Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.