Mary Jane Waldenmaier
October 5th, 1935 - February 17th, 2024
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Mary Jane's Obituary
Mary Jane Waldenmaier, 88, of St. Joseph passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at A Place Called Home in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 18, at 10 AM at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Jeffrey Hubers officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, March 17, from 2 PM until 4 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church or the Berrien County 4-H Programs (https://mi4hfdtn.org/county-4-h-designated-gift-form & select Berrien County) Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Mary Jane was born on October 5, 1935, in Benton Harbor to Frederick & Frieda (Mutz) Mavs, who immigrated to the USA from Germany in 1924. Mary Jane grew up in Baroda on a fruit & dairy farm. In 1953, she graduated from St. Joseph High School. She actively played for the Twin City Wilds Cats, a woman’s semi-pro softball team. On November 10, 1956, Mary Jane married the love of her life, Walter Waldenmaier, a “Sand Rabbit” city boy. Mary Jane, as well as her family, was actively involved with 4-H. She shared her many homemaker talents by partnering with Michigan State University Cooperative Extension, Berrien County 4-H Clubs, and the Berrien County Youth Fair to support and encourage area youth. She received the Outstanding 4-H Leader Award for her many years of service. Mary Jane was an advocate for strong schools and endorsed high quality academics, music, athletics, along with encouraging parental support of the school system. She served seven years on the Lake Shore Board of Education, and four years on the St Joseph Board of Education. Mary Jane was a proud member of First Congregational Church where she worked with the Annual Rummage Sale and various other activities. She enjoyed gardening and loved spending time outdoors in the warmer months. Over the years, she also had many entrepreneurial pursuits; however, the one she was most proud of was Punch It Distributing Company, a needlepoint & fabric paint distribution shop that she owned for six years.
Mary Jane is survived by her children¸ Nancy High of FL, Dean (Kimberly) Waldenmaier of WI and Gayle Waldenmaier of IN; grandchildren, Christa (Sam) Sprecher, Michael Waldenmaier, Katelyn (Jack) Ward, Lukas (Hadley) High and Lance High; and precious great-granddaughters, Madison & McKenzie Sprecher. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of almost 67 years, Walt; and brother, William “Bill” Mavs, who was a US Air Force Master Sergeant (Bill loved his country and is buried in the California National Military Cemetery).
Mary Jane was born on October 5, 1935, in Benton Harbor to Frederick & Frieda (Mutz) Mavs, who immigrated to the USA from Germany in 1924. Mary Jane grew up in Baroda on a fruit & dairy farm. In 1953, she graduated from St. Joseph High School. She actively played for the Twin City Wilds Cats, a woman’s semi-pro softball team. On November 10, 1956, Mary Jane married the love of her life, Walter Waldenmaier, a “Sand Rabbit” city boy. Mary Jane, as well as her family, was actively involved with 4-H. She shared her many homemaker talents by partnering with Michigan State University Cooperative Extension, Berrien County 4-H Clubs, and the Berrien County Youth Fair to support and encourage area youth. She received the Outstanding 4-H Leader Award for her many years of service. Mary Jane was an advocate for strong schools and endorsed high quality academics, music, athletics, along with encouraging parental support of the school system. She served seven years on the Lake Shore Board of Education, and four years on the St Joseph Board of Education. Mary Jane was a proud member of First Congregational Church where she worked with the Annual Rummage Sale and various other activities. She enjoyed gardening and loved spending time outdoors in the warmer months. Over the years, she also had many entrepreneurial pursuits; however, the one she was most proud of was Punch It Distributing Company, a needlepoint & fabric paint distribution shop that she owned for six years.
Mary Jane is survived by her children¸ Nancy High of FL, Dean (Kimberly) Waldenmaier of WI and Gayle Waldenmaier of IN; grandchildren, Christa (Sam) Sprecher, Michael Waldenmaier, Katelyn (Jack) Ward, Lukas (Hadley) High and Lance High; and precious great-granddaughters, Madison & McKenzie Sprecher. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of almost 67 years, Walt; and brother, William “Bill” Mavs, who was a US Air Force Master Sergeant (Bill loved his country and is buried in the California National Military Cemetery).
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