Mary Ann Gedemer (née Traynor) entered eternal life on April 9, 2026. She was born in Chicago on April 24, 1935, to John and Margaret Traynor.

One night while at a dance with her sister and a girlfriend, they met three very nice boys. The next day one of them (she wasn’t exactly sure which one it was) called and asked Mary out and the rest is history. After a seven-year engagement while he finished college, she married the late James Gedemer on November 25, 1961. They moved to Mukwonago, Wisconsin, where he had an optometry office, and built the house she lived in for the rest of her life and where she raised their children. Mary was very proud that all three children graduated from college with advanced degrees.

Mary lived a long and full life. For 25 years, she worked in the school district food service department. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and was always there to help with whatever was needed. Being a grandmother was her favorite role, and after retirement, she spent as much time as she could babysitting her grandchildren and attending their activities.

Faith was very important to her. At St. James Catholic Church, Mary lived her faith through quilting, making cinnamon rolls, helping with bake sales, providing summer meals, and assembling holiday baskets. She was also an active member of the Christian Women and St. Vincent de Paul groups.

Cooking large holiday meals and being surrounded by family made Mary the happiest. She loved telling stories — often adding her own unique twists — and enjoyed telling them to anybody who was willing to listen.

Mary is survived by her children: William Gedemer (special friend Jo), Brian Gedemer (Susan), and Sabrina Holguin (Alberto); grandchildren: Katrina Nelson (Jak), Danielle Gedemer, Liana Gedemer, Hunter Holguin, and Leo Holguin; and two great granddaughters: Valencia and Viviana Nelson.

Also left to cherish her memory are brothers: William Traynor (Joann), Phil Traynor (Linda), Marty Traynor, and sister-in-law Kathie Gedemer; nieces and nephews: Karen, Doug, Julie, Dave, Terry, Tim, Melissa, Debbie, Johnny, Tommy, Kathy, David, and Sean.

We called her Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Aunt, Sister, Friend, and she will be greatly missed. Still, we find comfort in knowing that she is now rejoicing with the angels in heaven and reunited with loved ones who have gone before: James (husband), Margaret and John (parents), William and Marietta (parents-in-law), Aunt Dorothy, Carol (sister-in-law), Tom (brother-in-law), Irene (sister), Jean (niece), and Vici (daughter-in-law).

Funeral plans pending and will be forthcoming