Mary Ellen Rechner

Mary Ellen Rechner, age 87, passed away peacefully with the Lord at her side on Wednesday morning, September 9, 2009. Mary Ellen was born on January 11, 1922 to the late Mark and Elizabeth (Flood) Kavanagh in Oshkosh. She was a graduate from Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois.

Mary Ellen came to Appleton as Director of Children's Social Services. In November of 1947 Mary Ellen was united in marriage to Carl Rechner in Oshkosh. They spent 36 wonderful years together, until Carl passed away in 1983. Up until the last 2 years Mary Ellen lived in Scottsdale, AZ until her health required her to return home to Appleton.

She was an avid golfer, loved to play Bridge and Cribbage, enjoyed traveling, and was such a servant to others.

Mary Ellen is survived by her two sons: Carl (Sally) Rechner, Columbus, Ohio, and Tom (Natalie) Rechner, of Appleton; five grandchildren: Stacy (Fiancé Brandon McIntire) Rechner, Cincinnati, OH, Christopher Rechner, Cleveland, OH, Rachel, Quinn Joy, and Clark Rechner, all of Appleton.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her sister, Joanne Dana.

A Funeral Liturgy for Mary Ellen will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2009 at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1617 W. Pine Street, Appleton. Fr. Dennis Ryan will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Mary Ellen will be laid to rest next to her husband, Carl at St. Joseph Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established in Mary Ellen's name for the Living Tree Estates Assisted Living, in Greenville.
Mary Ellen's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at Living Tree Estates. Especially, to Jackie and Cathy for their compassionate care, and Tom for his wonderful home-cooked food.

Mary Ellen will always be remembered for her “witty” Irish sense of humor; even though she was a petite woman she had a large servant's heart.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231