Mary A. Kerperien Obituary
Mary Kerperien peacefully stepped into the arms of Jesus at the age of 60 on October 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Mary was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, friend, and the absolute best mother and Nana. Her family was her world. She shared an incredibly close bond with her daughters, Nikki and Ashley, always putting her girls first. Growing up, she was the fun mom who welcomed everyone and made their friends feel like family. Mary also opened her home and her heart to children through foster care, something that reflected the kind of person she was.
Mary shared 21 years of marriage with her husband, Russ. They loved spending time together, visiting friends, and being with family. They also enjoyed working at MIS through the years, where they made some of their closest friends.
Nothing brought Mary more joy than being Nana to Natalee, Nora, Aiden, and Lilliana. She was there to watch each of her grandchildren be born and spent so much of her life caring for them and watching them grow. Being their Nana meant everything to her.
Mary enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved camping, reading, and being with her dog, Lexie, who was always by her side.
Mary spent much of her working life at Grandpa Tony's, Big Boy, and Café Zinc at the H Hotel. Along the way, she made close, lifelong friendships, and many of her coworkers became like family.
Mary also had wonderful neighbors who became close friends over the years. They were always looking out for one another, and she was so thankful for the friendships they shared.
About a month before Mary passed, she had a dream of her dad, Virgil, waiting for her at the gates of Heaven. Mary and her dad shared an incredibly close bond, and the dream brought comfort to her family, who always knew he would be there waiting for her.
Mary is survived by her husband, Russ; her daughters, Nikki (Jerred) Nephew and Ashley (Jeremy) Stieler; her grandchildren, Natalee and Nora Nephew and Aiden and Lilliana Stieler; her mother, Lillian Mondeau; and her sister, Dawn Mondeau (Jim Lagalo).
She was preceded in death by her father, Virgil Mondeau, and her dear cousin, Tonia Habermehl.
Mary will be missed more than words can say. The love she gave her family and friends will stay with them forever, and those lucky enough to know and love her will always carry a piece of her with them.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Rivertown Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Jim Chinery officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mary's memory are encouraged to perform an act of kindness for someone, spend meaningful time with a loved one, or plant a flower in her memory.
