Mary Emery-Weidling
1945-2012
Mary was born in Baraboo, Wisconsin on April 29, 1945 to Alvin Pete and Victoria Emery. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Mauston, Wisconsin where Mary was raised. She moved briefly to the Wisconsin Dells area, but returned in 1978 where she continued to live the rest of her life. She received her education in the Mauston School System and was a member of Mauston United Methodist Church.
Mary married the love of her life, Benjamin Weidling on April 29, 1991. She always said she wanted to make it easy for Ben to remember her birthday and anniversary by having them on the same day and he always did. The relationship they shared was special because they not only worked together but because they shared their time and love for each other in travel and pleasure. Circumstances played an important part in their final relationship, but her love for him never faltered.
Together they made their home in Mauston and operated their business, Farm and Diesel Repair for many years. They enjoyed motorcycling together and they put many miles on their cycles, seeing places they would never have seen otherwise. They participated in rides to raise money for cancer research, juvenile diabetes and MDA. Marys greatest thrill was driving her motorcycle across the Mackinaw Bridge in August of 2006, while circling Lake Michigan with family and friends. She took her chemotherapy treatments along the way each day. They took many trips to other states, returning often to Colorado, Arizona and Montana.
Mary dedicated over 30 years of her life, as an Adoption Search Specialist, reuniting Adoptees and birth families. She co-founded ICAREs Wisconsin Adoption Registry which operates here in Wisconsin on the internet at http://www.icareregistry.com. It was her desire that all adoptees and birth parents as well as birth family members should have the right to know the other if they so desired. She helped to get Legislation passed which presently allows Adoption Search through the Wisconsin Adoption Search Program located in Madison, Wisconsin. Over the years, as a private search consultant, Mary touched the lives of thousands of people who had the desire to know their counterparts by helping them with their search.
Mary spent many hours working with and promoting charity groups, including Ridin 4 A Cure, Friends and Family Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society, the Prime Time Jimmy Kline Ride for Cancer, Dirty Turtles Annual Turtle Dunk, and the Juneau County Relay for Life, raising money for cancer research and assistance.
Mary was diagnosed with cancer in the winter of 2005. Mary felt that life was worth the fight and she did everything possible to continue to live while fighting the ultimate battle with cancer. She passed away quietly on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.
Mary was preceded in heavenly life by her youngest son, John Davis and her father, Pete Emery.
Mary is survived by the love of her life, Ben Weidling along with her two children and three step-children: son, James G. (Barb) Davis, New Lisbon, WI; daughter Jodi (Matt) Roberts, Morrisonville, WI; Ben (Laura) Weidling, Columbia Falls, MT; Brad (Sharon) Weidling, Lyndon Station, WI; and Melanie Stenson, Wisconsin Dells, WI. She also leaves her mother, Vicki Emery, New Lisbon, WI; five sisters: Sharon (Gene) Halverson, New Lisbon, WI; Helen Emery, Mukwonago, WI; Betty (Mike) Delapp, Madison, WI; Sally Strand, Tavares, FL and Jo (John) Howard, Waunakee, WI. She leaves behind numerous grandchildren along with special friends Barb & Tim Forsythe and Don & Marilyn Miller, Mauston, WI.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Mauston, WI with Pastor Wendel Williams officiating. Visitation will be from 4 pm until the time of the service. Condolences may be sent to N5080 17th Ave, Mauston, WI 53948.
The Adams County Cremation Society is assisting the family. Visit www.adamscountycremations.com for online condolences and complete obituary information.
Mary was the Search Angel who helped me find my birth daughter Angela. She will always have a special place in my heart; she definitely has earned her place in Heaven. God Bless her and her family!
Now at a time as Mary walks with Christ in heaven, we ask the lord to look over the whole family.
Now at a time as Mary walks with Christ in heaven, we ask the loed to look over the whole family.
Jodi and Jim, Sorry we can not attend Mary’s service. She was a special friend many years ago. We send you our love.
May it help in your time of sorrow to know we are thinking your family and share in your sorrow. You are in our prayers.
To Mary’s Family,
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. We hope the support of family and friends help to make it through this time and be content knowing that she is no longer suffering and in pain, though the loss is never easy.
Sheri & Dave Butler
Eric & Jessica Emery and Family
Nicole (Emery) and Dave Robinson and Family
I would like to express my sympathy to the family in the loss of Mary.
Our prayers go out to Mary’s family, may you find peace during this time. We met Mary last year at Ridin 4 a Cure, what an awesome lady. We are committed to helping Jodi and Jim continue Mary’s legacy, the annual Ridin 4 a Cure ride.
Im sad Mary is gone,
But im glad where she is now. With God.
She was my friend and my wish Mother. I love her and Ben. they are kind, and the best , I know I will miss her and so will Ben. one time I told you I did not want to say good bye I said later and its still later Mary JUST LATER Peter 3
Mary was a lady you meet her you will never for get her. one of a kind . she helped our family in lots of ways. as she did outhers. sh will be missed. RIP my dear friend God Bless your family/
The time spent with Mary was always a joy! She was a wonderful caring person. May she rest in peace and her family find comfort during this sad time.
Mary was a wonderful person. She will be missed by many. Her dedication to all she did for fund raising to help those with cancer was a wonderful thing. I know we at the Friends and Family Cancer foundation will never forget all she did for us. Love to all of the family she left behind.