Mary A. Buss Obituary
Mary Ann Buss, 87, of Oconomowoc, WI, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, surrounded by her three daughters.
Mary was born on April 5, 1938, in Clyman, WI. She graduated from Juneau High School, attended Mayville Teacher College, earned her degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, and completed her Master of Education at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. She began her teaching career in Nashotah, WI, and later taught at Greenland Elementary School in Oconomowoc, WI where she retired in 1998.
Mary lived life with curiosity and joy. Her favorite role was being the biggest fan cheering at her grandchildren's events. She loved attending Badgers and Brewers games. Mary took great pleasure in tending her gardens, which earned "Garden of the Month" recognition. A passionate traveler, she explored destinations across the U.S. and abroad. She also gave generously of her time, volunteering with St. Jerome Catholic Church, the Oconomowoc Area Senior Center, Girl Scouts, and other community activities. She found joy in both bridge and golf, organizing her local bridge card group and spending many happy days on the course with friends, forming lasting friendships.
Mary is preceded in death by her loving husband Carl Buss, parents George and Florence Schraven, in-laws Harold and Bernice Buss, and brother-in-law Russel Wegner. She is survived by her three cherished daughters Laurie (Rob) Keefe of Medford, WI, Pam (Larry) Rapsard of Canal Fulton, OH, Carrie (Steven) Rhoads of Sun Prairie, WI, her nine beloved grandchildren Katie (Evan) Friedl, Samantha (Jimmy) Jochimsen, John (Kynnie) Keefe, Connor Keefe, Elizabeth (Benjamin) Miron, Kevin Rapsard, Sarah Rhoads, Brady Rhoads, Brooke Rhoads, and six precious great grandchildren Henry Friedl, Everett and Emmett Jochimsen, Kashtyn, Kohen and Kollyns Keefe. She is also survived by her sister Patricia (David) Soldner, and her brothers Mike (Shelia) Schraven, Jack Schraven, Joe (Barb) Schraven; sister-in-law Carole Wegner, and brother-in-law Dale (Debbie) Buss, as well as many extended family members and friends.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, (995 S. Silver Lake St, Oconomowoc, WI), from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Mary will be laid to rest at La Belle Cemetery in Oconomowoc.
Donations can be made to "The Froedtert Fund" in memory of Mary Buss at https://my.froedterthospitalfoundation.org..
