Mary C. Neis

On Saturday, September 9, 2023, the Lord decided it was time to bring “One Tough Old Bird” into his Heavenly flock. He called Mary C. Neis home. The Lord saw she was tired and that it was time for eternal rest.  Mary C. Neis was born December 31,1940, the daughter of Leonard and Jeanette (Hoffman) Schier. According to family lore, she was born at a gas station in Beetown, WI. After a wonderful childhood with her parents and siblings, Mary married the love of her life, Donnie Neis, on November 16,1959. Together they owned and operated Neis Texaco until buying a farm in 1973. During those years together, they worked hard and were also incredible parents to their four kids. In November 1984, Mary tragically lost Donnie in a farm accident, and although life was good, it was never the same for her. Mary was a simple but strong-willed woman that was always willing to do whatever she could for anyone. She had a “Heart of Gold.” Besides spending time with her family, Mary enjoyed playing cards, baking, talking with her siblings on the phone, watching The Game Show Network, word searches, and Facebook. But her biggest enjoyment came during the years that she babysat. Mary loved those kids, and while they were all very dear to her, there were two that held an extra special spot in her heart — Will and Callie Kirschbaum, and their parents Laura and Corey.

Survivors include her four children: Rod (Mary) Neis, Sandy (Gary) Riek, Randy Neis (friend Tim Hickie) and Cindy Neis; four siblings: Reggie Schier, Bonnie (Jerry) Krantz, Kathy (Farhad) Badimassoud, and Deb (Brian) Drunasky; and sisters-in-law Mary Jane Thole and Martha Neis.

She is further survived by four grandchildren: Nicole (Matt) Giessel, Ryan Neis (Jennifer), Sara Neis (Trekker), and Kayla Riek; seven great-grandchildren: Brayden, Colby, Max, Kane, Bexley, and bonus great-grandchildren Carter and Emelyn. Mary was also anxiously awaiting a great-granddaughter this winter. There are also many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Donnie Neis; parents, Leonard and Jeanette Schier; sister, Barb Schlitter and Barb’s husband Leo; sister-in-law, Mary Lee Schier; brother-in-law, Carl Neis; and nephews, Tim and Tom Thole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington, WI with Father Sudhakar Devarapu officiating. Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Private family burial will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bloomington.  Family and friends are cordially invited to a luncheon in memory of Mary in the church hall following the private family burial.