Theresa E. Szymanski

Theresa E. Szymanski, 87, Marathon, died Wednesday May 20, 2015, at Mount View Care Center. She was born April 11, 1928 in Edgar, daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Hall) Lemmer. On August 19, 1947, she married Alex Szymanski at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. He preceded her in death September 21, 2013. Through the years, Theresa had been employed at the Marathon Bakery and had also been a waitress and hostess at several area restaurants. She was a charter member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Alois Dreikosen Post No. 469, Marathon. Her priorities in life were her family and her faith. Her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, were a source of great joy to her. As a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marathon, Theresa served on the Parish Council of Catholic Women along with other volunteer tasks. Theresa was fond of animals, but it was her cats that held a special place in her heart. She always had room for a stray that might show up at her door. Among her favorite pastimes were listening to polka music, dancing, bowling and having a good time. Her sense of humor and ability to pull off a good prank will remain a Szymanski legend. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Jane (Dennis) Cramer, Marathon, Julie (Jon) Koch, Brussels; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Szymanski, Weston; five grandchildren, Hayley (Phil Seubert) Cramer, Heather (Sam Facey) Cramer, Clint (Tiffany Nibarger) Szymanski, Alyse (Harrison) Hundt, Kayla (Randy Stocco) Koch; two step-grandchildren, Brad (Danille) Hildebrandt, Amy (Zhirik) Barseghian; great grandchildren, Madysen, Alexandria, Owen, Lauren, Derek, Calvin, Ava, Collin, Tori; one sister, Dorothy Maurer, Hayward; two brothers-in-law, Frank (Alvina) Szymanski, Milwaukee and Wallace (Bernice) Szymanski, King along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Wayne, a granddaughter, Jessica Lea Koch, a step grandson, Jaxon Barseghian and 14 brothers and sisters. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Noon Saturday May 23, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be an American Legion Auxiliary Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier, Heather Ward and the staff at Copperleaf Assisted Living, the nurses and staff of Community Care and Ann Berry for all the wonderful care and support given to Theresa and her family.