Mary Joyce Lawrence

Mary J. Lawrence, 83, of Wausau, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 20th, 2025 at her residence at Our House Senior Living under the care of hospice, surrounded by her daughters and granddaughter.

She was born January 15, 1942 in Wausau, daughter of the late Lloyd and Florence Thompson. Mary attended and graduated from Newman High School. She met her late husband, Ken in 1964, and on August 21, 1965 they married at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Wausau.

Mary enjoyed Friday fish fry with family at Paul's Valley Inn and loved old fashions - sweet with no garnish. In her later years, she enjoyed exploring different fish fry's with her sister, "Oyky." Whenever family gathered, Mary reveled in beating Ken and Todd at Hand and Foot where she partnered with Kathy. She saved most of her Hand and Foot hustling for Jeff, purposely choosing to sit next to him and ruining his card plans.

Once the weather turned nice, Mary loved spending time outdoors tending her flower garden, taking walks, and being "up nort."

Family was always important to her. Mary enjoyed being a mom but lived for her grandkids. Kaitlyn and Meghan enjoyed spending weekends in Wausau where they had no rules to follow. Jeffrey, Alex and Sydney had spring breaks and extended visits in Illinois where she spoiled them rotten. It was important for Grandma to attend dance recitals, choir and band concerts , and countless basketball, soccer, baseball and softball games . She always made her famous Chex mix, strawberry jam, and ensured Rice Krispies treats. She enjoyed having dogs, but Molly will always have a special place in her heart.

Survivors include her daughters, Jennifer (Jeffrey) See, Weston and Katherine (Todd) Freiberg, Yorkville, five grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Steve) Stark, Meghan (Joshua) O’Donahue, Jeffrey, Alex and Sydney Freiberg, two great grandsons, Logan Stark and Theo O’Donahue, one sister, Lois Koepke, Kronewetter, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Sebastian Kolodziejczyk will preside. Entombment will be in the Garden of Eternal Rest Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com