Mary Catherine Rohm, 79, passed away at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center–Neenah on Easter morning. She was called home on the most sacred day of the year, during the celebration of new life and resurrection.

Mary was born to John and Martha (Joosten) VanGroll in Appleton, Wisconsin. Her life was a testament to the triumph of persistence over adversity. At the age of four, a house fire destroyed her family’s home on Evergreen Dr. At six, she overcame polio, which left her with lifelong paralysis in her left shoulder. As the oldest of four siblings, she was raised on the family farm where, despite her physical limitations, she was expected to contribute equally. By age seven, she was already driving a tractor. She enjoyed training calves and disliked throwing silage. One of her favorite childhood memories was receiving a bull from her father, which she later sold for $150. She also fondly remembered her mother’s homemade bread and chocolate chip cookies.

Mary attended St. John’s Catholic School in Little Chute, where she was taught by priests and nuns, learning both discipline and God's love. Her cousin Pete VanGroll often sat behind her in class, and she formed lifelong friendships with Mary (Lamers) Kraft and Mary (Tiesling) Siehr. A talented singer, Mary even sang in Latin and won an award for her voice. She was especially proud of her 4-H blue ribbons at the county fair, particularly those earned with her cow, Joy.

After graduating high school, she worked at Elmtree Bakery, where she met her husband. She married Dale Owen Rohm, son of Grant and Doris Rohm, on November 5, 1966, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Drawing from the baking skills she learned from her mother and great-aunt Catherine “Kate,” along with cake decorating experience from the bakery, Mary later opened her own business, Mary’s Cakes, so she could work while remaining present for her family.

Known to many as the local “cake lady,” Mary created cakes for baby showers, birthdays, confirmations, graduations, and weddings for a loyal community of customers. She personally delivered each wedding cake in her full-size red van and took pride in always being on time. While the most challenging to assemble, she believed the most beautiful cakes were those with stairs and fountains.

Mary was always baking for others, especially for her husband Dale, who had a sweet tooth. She made cookies for the men at deer camp, trays of Christmas cookies and candy for family and neighbors, and desserts that were often the first to disappear at gatherings. Her homemade caramels and oysters rivaled those of professional candy shops. One of her favorite traditions was making the annual birthday cake for Yogi Bear at Jellystone Campground. Even after retirement, she continued baking for her three grandsons.

She enjoyed playing Sheepshead with friends, often serving ground bologna sandwiches and pickled herring at card parties. She formed strong friendships through camping at Jellystone and Rustic Timbers, where she hosted an annual birthday and Labor Day celebration complete with a full buffet spread. Her warm smile and laughter were always welcome around any campfire.

Family was Mary’s greatest priority. She consistently put her husband and children before herself and found comfort in making sure everyone was cared for. She enjoyed snowmobiling and boating with Dale, along with time spent with nieces and nephews. Together, Mary and Dale were active in multiple bowling leagues. She cherished camping trips with their children, Jason and Melinda, as well as family vacations such as Disney World, Disneyland, and the Grand Canyon. Holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, were times she loved most. She enjoyed decorating her home and planning meals to bring everyone together.

She deeply loved her three grandsons, Andrew, Grady, and Clayton, and spoiled them in the way only a grandmother can. They spent countless hours watching PBS Kids together, snuggled in her recliner. Each of them learned patience, kindness, and unconditional love from the woman who helped care for them in her home on Prairie View Drive in Greenville.

Survivors include her children, Jason Rohm and Melinda (Terry) Quick; her grandsons, Andrew, Grady, and Clayton; and her siblings, Marty (Char) VanGroll, Judy VanHandel, and Monica Hanagan (Jim Rademaker). Mary is further survived by her sisters-in-law Lori (Jim) Krueger and Dar Rohm, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In later years, as her health declined, Mary found joy in playing Bingo. She saved her winnings to gift to her grandsons. She also enjoyed watching the Game Show Network, especially Press Your Luck. She loved decorating her home with sunflowers and seasonal décor, always adding to her collection, especially for Christmas and Easter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Rohm; her brothers-in-law Jim VanHandel and Guy Hanagan; her cousin Jim VanGroll, who lived with the family during her childhood; and Dale’s siblings Verda (Melvin) Maynard, Carmen (Jerry) Bolwerk, and Dean (Betty) Rohm.

A visitation for Mary will be held on Wednesday, April 15, from 6:30–7:30 PM, with Vigil Service to follow at 7:30 PM at St. Bernard Catholic Parish, 1617 W. Pine St., Appleton. A second visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16, from 10:30-11:30 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass at St. Bernard Catholic Parish. Committal and burial will follow at 1:00 PM at Highland Memorial Park Mausoleum, 3131 N. Richmond St., Appleton.