Mary F. Biesterveld, age 74, of Elk Mound, died Wednesday May 24, 2023, at her home in the Township of Red Cedar.

Mary was born November 2, 1948, in Durand.  She was the daughter of Lawrence and Veronica (Forster) Brenner and grew up on the family farm in Eau Galle.  Mary graduated from Sacred Heart High School-Lima.  After high school, Mary attended St. Joseph School of Nursing in Marshfield and began her nursing career there.  Mary married Gary Biesterveld September 25, 1971, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Eau Galle.  They made their home in Rock Falls where they farmed, raised their family and later divorced.  Mary worked as a Registered Nurse at Chippewa Valley Hospital, Oakview Care Center and Sacred Heart Hospital, retiring in 2013.

Mary loved music.  She played the trumpet, accordion, piano and organ.  Mary directed many 4-H musicals, accompanied solo and ensemble participants, and performed for countless weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. In her more adventurous years, she also enjoyed bowling, card parties and snowmobiling.  Later, she became an avid Packer fan and enjoyed volunteering and lunch dates.  As a grandmother, Mary took immense pride in the accomplishments and milestones of her grandsons.  She enjoyed watching ball games, cattle shows, and any other occasion that brought the family together. 

Mary is survived by her children, Laura (Gabe Harper) Biesterveld of Milwaukee, Adam (Paula) of Rock Falls; Emily (Barry) Cook of Menomonie; five grandsons, Eli, Evan, Garrett, Grant and Kaleb; two brothers, Steve Brenner of Arkansaw and Doug Brenner of Rock Falls; a sister-in-law, Kathy Brenner of Eden Prairie, MN, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Lawrence, sister-in-law, Linda Brenner.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday May 31, 2023, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rock Falls.  Burial will be at St. Henry’s Cemetery in Eau Galle.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday at Rhiel Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. 

Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Durand is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Janelle Risler May 31, 2023, at 8:14pm

   David and my deepest condolences to the family of Mary. Almost 50 yrs. ago Mary sang at our wedding along with Audrey Biesterveld. We will never forget that day, they sang like angels.

2. Darlene Bryan May 30, 2023, at 4:38pm

   My Deepest Sympathy, Mary. Was Such A Lovely Lady.????????

3. Brian & Norma Gabriel May 30, 2023, at 2:54pm

   Your have our deepest sympathy.

4. Diana Bauer May 28, 2023, at 7:38pm

   I am so sorry to hear about Mary's passing. I went to school with her at Lima for four years and Mary was the lovliest lady. I had the pleasure of teaching two of Mary's children and they were a delight. My condolences to the whole family.

5. Charlotte Harvey May 28, 2023, at 10:55am

   So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

6. Dina Moos May 27, 2023, at 8:40pm

   Mary was an wonderful woman and an amazing RN who taught me so much when I just graduated from nursing school. She was so patient and helpful. One of the nicest women I have ever had the privilege of working with.

7. Colleen Garnevicus May 27, 2023, at 2:53pm

   Our fondest memories of Mary have to do with music. She always shared her passion with others! We will miss her! Our prayers and sympathy go to her brothers and sister-in-law, her children and grandchildren, and all her many friends and relatives. She was the best cousin!

8. arly henke May 27, 2023, at 7:50am

   Philippians 4:6-7

   6-7 Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.

9. Nadine Schuh May 26, 2023, at 10:39pm

   I like to post this saying as it helped ease the pain a bit when my mom and dad, sister and brother died.
   "When a loved one leaves to go on a trip, we sadly say Good-bye, --- BUT, when they reach their destination on the other side they are greeted joyfully with shouts of, HELLO, WELCOME HOME !!!!!

   I had just chatted with her before church on Sunday and was shocked to hear of her passing. I was a high school classmate with your mom and worked at Sacred Heart Hospital with her. She truly will be missed.

10. Mary Lynn (Knutson) Smith May 26, 2023, at 8:42pm

    My husband Ken and I send our sincere condolences to Mary's Family. I was a classmate of Mary at Lima High School from 1962-1966. Mary and I shared a love of music, singing with choir and playing instruments in the band. We had some great times with the Lima Band under the direction of first Joseph Fitzgerald and then William Erickson. The Band recorded an album in 1966 which I still listen to from time to time! May she rest in peace making heavenly music with the angels.

    Mary Lynn (Knutson) Smith

11. Patty and John Wayne May 26, 2023, at 5:50pm

    She was a wonderful lady.
    Our Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to you and your family

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