Mary Denk

Goodbyes are not forever, nor are they the end. They simply mean we’ll miss you. Until we meet again…

Mary Denk, Age 74, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home on Saturday, November 20, 2021 under hospice care after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary Margaret Viegut was born on September 12, 1947 to Harold and Mary (Serwe) Viegut. Her parents knew she would succeed in life. From being teacher of the year to book author and to being one of the best grandmas in the world, she did it all.

She married Bernard Denk on August 11, 1973. Together they raised two beautiful children. Elizabeth (Daniel) Luedtke and Michael (Stina) Denk . Bernie passed away in 2018.

Mary graduated from Athens High School in 1962. She went to Teacher’s College in Medford and completed her Teaching and Master’s Degree through University of WI Stevens Point. She taught school at St Mary’s Catholic School in Marathon, WI, St Anthony’s Catholic School, Athens, WI and then Edgar Elementary School. Retiring in 2009.

She was Athens Fair Queen in 1965, Recipient of the Herb Kohl Wisconsin Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year Edgar School District, Gifted and Talented Coordinator at Edgar School, coordinated after school programs such as All-Star Challenge and Science Night, School Board President of the Athens School District, Member of CESA. President of the MERA (Retirement) Auxiliary School Board, member of the Women’s Monday Night Golf League and the Athens Lions Club. It was her lifetime dream to become an author. In 2018 she wrote and published the book Anna’s Million Dollar Cow.

Family was the number one priority in her life. She made sure they were all together for birthdays and holidays.

She loved to travel and when she retired, golfing became her favorite pastime along with spending time with her family and friends.

Besides her children and their spouses, she is survived by her lovely grandchildren. Noah and Owen Luedtke, Brooke and Brendan Denk. She was one proud grandma who went to every event that the children participated in.

She is also survived by two devoted sisters, Barbara Viegut (Larry Bloch) and Germaine (Les) Huebner. Other loving survivors are her nephew, Kyle Huebner and niece, Samantha (Raymond) Yessa and her adorable great nieces and nephew, Layla, Maddex and Rhyan Huebner and Madilyn Yessa.

She also had many very special friends who took good care of her during her treatments.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Petersen Kraemer Funeral Home Athens Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm with a memorial service at 2:15 pm. Dinner will be served following the memorial service on Sunday.

We love you Mom – may you enjoy heaven and being with Dad again. We know you missed him so.

Fly high beautiful lady and until we meet again – goodbye.