Mary Ann Johnson Wruck packed up her tent on May 12, 2019 and is now enjoying time with loved ones who packed up before her; her parting advice for those of us still trudging along, “Go for the joy.”

Mary Ann Johnson was born on January 22, 1945 in Omro to Gordon and Mary (Steele) Johnson. As an only child for her first 6 years, she developed a spunk and tenacity that would serve her well throughout her life. That very spunk would capture the attention of many a suitor, but her heart was captured by only one.

James R. Wruck and Mary Ann Johnson married on September 18, 1965 and began a life together of endless adventure.

They started out in Chicago where Jim was finishing his degree. Never one to sit idle, Mary found work at the Chicago Art Gallery – the perfect match for her innate talent and unmatched creativity.

Always ready in a moment's notice, when an opportunity presented, Jim and Mary Ann packed up and moved to St. Louis. Mary was tasked with finding them an apartment; she instead found them a dog.

Other adventures would take them from the lake at their cottage to the beaches of Hawaii; from the wildlife parks of Canada to the vibrant open-air markets of El Salvador.

As much as Mary enjoyed excitement and adventure, she also enjoyed the quiet of a good book, the hunt for a flea market treasure, the warmth of a turtleneck, and the merry band of misfits she called family.

Family extended beyond traditional relatives; if you were Mary's friend, you were family - more was always merrier. She would have thoroughly enjoyed having everyone she loved under one roof.

Surprisingly, Mary's family was not as enthusiastic about being under one roof. Mary remained undeterred and would work to enrich the lives of her loved ones regardless of where they may be. Whether it be with her time or her kindness, her sense of humor or her counsel, Mary felt blessed in her life and was generous with all that she was, all that she had.

Mary is survived by the love of her life, her husband James; her daughter, Jennifer (Larry) Gardner; her son, Christopher (Dawn) Wruck; grandchildren, Sydnee and Nicholas Dunkel, Gabrielle Gardner, Zachary (Holly) Wruck, Nathanael Wruck, Ryan and Kevin Vanden Heuvel, Keri Vanden Heuvel and fiance, Jordan Thut, and Miles Christopher Wruck who preceded her in death.

Mary is further survived by her sister, Kristine (James) Zeinert and her brother, Gordon (Cindi) Johnson; her sister-in-law, Lynn (Fred) Klatt and brother-in-law, Ron (Judy) Wruck; as well as many extended family and friends whom she loved dearly.

The Celebration of Life Everlasting will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 4:00p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Neenah, 1228 S. Park Avenue with Pastor Rick Schroeder officiating. A visitation for Mary Ann will be held at the church on Sunday from 2:30p.m. until the time of service, with fellowship following.

Mom, joy will be elusive without you but, we will try our very best.

MARY WRUCK

January 22, 1945 - May 12, 2019

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