Mary Helen Kleeber Bushweiler, age 71, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at St. Mary's in Madison, WI.

Mary was born on May 24, 1954, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, the daughter of Willard and Mildred (Weisman) Kleeber. She spent her life rooted in the community she loved, building meaningful connections through her work and the countless lives she touched along the way. Mary graduated from Reedsburg Area High School in 1972 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse for one year. Following her studies, she moved to Madison, where she began her working life at JC Penney and later at Manchester's on the Square. It was there she became known for her beautifully wrapped gifts—small works of art that reflected her care and creativity.

Mary met the love of her life, Wayne, on June 4, 1976, while they were part of Jim and Mary Anne's wedding party. What began as a chance meeting quickly grew into something lasting. From the early days—like the first meal she cooked for Wayne, a memorable spaghetti dinner followed by a mint pie—to a lifetime of shared experiences, Wayne knew she was the one. They were married on October 21, 1978, in the Methodist Church in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, officiated by Reverend Know. Their wedding was surrounded by family and friends, including Tom as Best Man and Mary Ann as Maid of Honor, along with attendants Jim, Portia, Dean, Kathy, Terry, Vanessa, and ushers Don and John. True to Wisconsin's unpredictable weather, snow fell the very next day. Together, Mary and Wayne built a life rooted in love and companionship. They spent ten years in Illinois, where they formed lasting friendships with Terry and Barb, Jim and Denise, and Joe and Kristi. During this time, they welcomed their son, Matthew, born on April 28, 1985, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. They brought him home to Palatine, where they began their journey as a family. The next chapter took them to Green Bay for ten years before ultimately returning to Reedsburg in 1996, completing a journey that reflected both life's adventures and its quiet, meaningful moments.

Over the years, she worked at Linens Plus in the Greater Chicago area, later at Walmart and Party Perfect in Green Bay, and most recently at Reedsburg Physicians Group, where she enjoyed connecting with those she worked alongside where her warm spirit left a lasting impression.

Mary embraced life's simple joys and created beauty in everyday moments. She loved attending craft fairs, horse shows, visiting lavender farms, and taking trips to the zoo with her husband and grandchildren. She had a passion for shopping—especially for her grandchildren—often finding the perfect gift even when nothing more was needed. Her favorite quiet moments were spent sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee, watching the birds—especially hummingbirds—or tending to her flowers. She found peace in nature. Her yard bloomed with crabapple trees, tulips, lilacs, and fuchsia, much like the warmth she spread to those around her.

She especially loved hosting her famous fajita parties, bringing friends and family together around good food and even better company. She cherished evenings out with her husband, Wayne, especially sharing old fashioneds together at Ishnala. Mary had a special love for her dogs, Roush and Kodiak, and enjoyed agility training, while spoiling them endlessly. Her favorite animal, the giraffe, reflected her gentle and graceful nature.

Mary treasured time with her family above all else. She cherished traditions with her grandchildren, from baking Easter bunny cakes filled with sweet surprises to decorating Christmas trees and sharing the stories behind each meaningful Hallmark ornament. She also loved celebrating the Fourth of July with sparklers, dressing as a witch for Halloween, teaching her grandchildren how to wrap presents, and giggling while playing with puppets. She never missed an opportunity to attend their gymnastics meets, soccer games, school plays, or musicals. She also found joy in quiet evenings watching her favorite shows, including The Voice, America's Got Talent, and Hometown, as well as enjoying wine nights and dinner theater outings with friends.

Mary was truly the heart of her family—a strong, loving woman who always showed up for those she loved without hesitation. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines or quietly sitting beside someone, offering comfort with a gentle touch and a listening ear, she made everyone feel seen and cared for. She had a sweet tooth and a passion for baking, often filling her home with delicious treats and warm memories.

Her legacy lives on in the traditions she carried forward and the unconditional love she gave so freely. She was an incredible wife, mom and grandmother who brought strength, joy, and closeness to her family and friends, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Wayne; her son, Matthew; sister, Kay Kleeber; nieces, Vanessa and Eliza; and her cherished grandchildren, Mercedee, Madisyn, and Ryker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Mildred; aunt, Helen; and uncle, John.

Mary's love remains a guiding light for her family, and they find comfort in knowing she is watching over them with the same care and devotion she gave throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Reedsburg Historical Society or Sauk County Humane Society in honor of Mary.

A funeral service will not be held. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date, to be announced.