Mary Elizabeth Heintz

Mary Elizabeth Heintz, age 85, died on December 23, 2024, in her home in Fond du Lac, WI. She was born on March 11, 1939, in Quincy IL, a daughter of Frederick W. and Lousie H. Spindler Koch.

Like all of the Koch siblings, Mary worked at their father’s business, the Illinois School Supply when she was young. She loved working, and her first job as an optician was at Lammers Optical in Quincy, IL. After raising her children, she went back to work initially at Pearl Vision Center and then at Walmart Vision Center in Fond du Lac, WI.

Mary loved her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends with a passion. She loved to laugh, and she was happily entertaining visitors with a good laugh, funny stories, and great memories until the very end. She enjoyed spending time with children and was full of ideas for crafts and other projects to entertain them. Her grandchildren will always remember making gingerbread houses together, among many other projects. She would happily offer to babysit her grandchildren and other children she knew. There were no limits to the thoughtful gestures in her life. She had a passion for gardening and decorating her home, both indoors and outdoors. It was always beautifully adorned with seasonal decor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Melvin, Howard, Norbert, and Jim Koch, and two sisters, Jean Powers and Joyce Hunter.

Survivors include three children: Fergus “Nick” (Jodi) Heintz of Fond du Lac, WI, Nancy Wangerin of Ballwin, MO, and Maria (Kevin) Donnelly of Plymouth, MN, five grandchildren: Taylor, Rielly, and Parker Heintz, Abigail and Sydney Wangerin, one sister: Susanne Longo of Quincy, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral: Visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 pm with a short service to follow at 3:00 pm on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E Division St, Fond du Lac, WI. Funeral repast to follow at Edgewood Church, 609 Thomas Street, Fond du Lac, WI.

Additional visitation and burial to be held in Quincy, IL at a later date. Check with Hansen-Spear Funeral Home for details.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Fond du Lac or the Fond du Lac Humane Society. Online condolences may be offered at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.