IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Mary
Zwirlein
November 27, 1952 – September 17, 2025
Obituary
Mary A. Zwirlein, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on September 17, 2025 at Froedtert Hospital in West Bend under the care of Horizon Hospice at the age of 72. She was born on November 27, 1952, in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Francis and Hildegard (nee Wehrmann) Hoerth.
Mary graduated from Hartford Union High School in 1971. She completed some coursework at U.W. Eau Claire, and worked various bookkeeping jobs after being a dedicated homemaker and mother to her children. She served as a secretary and teacher for years in the Religious Education Program at Holy Angels Catholic Church. She and her husband were self-employed for many years and she handled the books for their business.
She married Joseph Zwirlein, on September 15, 1973 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nenno, WI. They enjoyed a marriage full of travel, love and laughter.
She always kept a warm and welcoming home, and made everything from hosting large events to traveling with large groups appear effortless and stress-free. She anticipated people's needs and never made it seem like any trouble. Unwavering in support of her children's endeavors, she attended their events and parties until late in life. Often the designated driver, she participated and engaged in conversation and games as much as anyone. A particularly rowdy evening of "mini-bowling" in Milwaukee comes to mind, where she was as outgoing and fun as anyone who attended, while also being responsible and keeping everyone safe.
Mary was an avid reader and supporter of the arts. She enjoyed attending classical and band concerts, tending to her garden, and traveling with friends and family. As a woman of strong faith, she demonstrated her values through her generosity, kindness and compassion for others. She quietly served others through programs such as Meals on Wheels, Thanksgiving Dinner in the Church, and volunteering throughout her life. She helped her friends through sickness, taking them to appointments and supporting them emotionally, never asking for anything in return. Strong, seemingly fearless at times, she never acted in a way that solicited sympathy, even in the face of mounting health struggles. Her legacy of one of generosity and love, and she will be dearly missed by every soul she touched.
Mary is survived by her husband of 52 years, Joseph, her daughter Angie Belz (nee Zwirlein), her son Nick (Stacey) Zwirlein, and her grandchildren: Logan (Sarah) Woods, Lily Belz, Oskar and Josie Zwirlein. She is further survived by her siblings Sharon Hoerth (Frank Loncharic), Carol Scheer (nee Hoerth), Barb (Ed) Fillpot, Jim (Sara) Hoerth, Joe Hoerth and siblings-in-law Bob (Ellen) and Mike (Bonnie) Zwirlein, and many extended relatives and friends.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Roland and Margaret Zwirlein (nee Mueller), her nephew Ryan Fillpot, and her brother Bill Hoerth.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 3 rd . Visitation will take place from 3 – 5:15 p.m. followed by a service at 5:30 p.m. and fellowship at Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend.
Mary graduated from Hartford Union High School in 1971. She completed some coursework at U.W. Eau Claire, and worked various bookkeeping jobs after being a dedicated homemaker and mother to her children. She served as a secretary and teacher for years in the Religious Education Program at Holy Angels Catholic Church. She and her husband were self-employed for many years and she handled the books for their business.
She married Joseph Zwirlein, on September 15, 1973 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nenno, WI. They enjoyed a marriage full of travel, love and laughter.
She always kept a warm and welcoming home, and made everything from hosting large events to traveling with large groups appear effortless and stress-free. She anticipated people's needs and never made it seem like any trouble. Unwavering in support of her children's endeavors, she attended their events and parties until late in life. Often the designated driver, she participated and engaged in conversation and games as much as anyone. A particularly rowdy evening of "mini-bowling" in Milwaukee comes to mind, where she was as outgoing and fun as anyone who attended, while also being responsible and keeping everyone safe.
Mary was an avid reader and supporter of the arts. She enjoyed attending classical and band concerts, tending to her garden, and traveling with friends and family. As a woman of strong faith, she demonstrated her values through her generosity, kindness and compassion for others. She quietly served others through programs such as Meals on Wheels, Thanksgiving Dinner in the Church, and volunteering throughout her life. She helped her friends through sickness, taking them to appointments and supporting them emotionally, never asking for anything in return. Strong, seemingly fearless at times, she never acted in a way that solicited sympathy, even in the face of mounting health struggles. Her legacy of one of generosity and love, and she will be dearly missed by every soul she touched.
Mary is survived by her husband of 52 years, Joseph, her daughter Angie Belz (nee Zwirlein), her son Nick (Stacey) Zwirlein, and her grandchildren: Logan (Sarah) Woods, Lily Belz, Oskar and Josie Zwirlein. She is further survived by her siblings Sharon Hoerth (Frank Loncharic), Carol Scheer (nee Hoerth), Barb (Ed) Fillpot, Jim (Sara) Hoerth, Joe Hoerth and siblings-in-law Bob (Ellen) and Mike (Bonnie) Zwirlein, and many extended relatives and friends.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Roland and Margaret Zwirlein (nee Mueller), her nephew Ryan Fillpot, and her brother Bill Hoerth.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 3 rd . Visitation will take place from 3 – 5:15 p.m. followed by a service at 5:30 p.m. and fellowship at Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Zwirlein, please visit our flower store.
Services
Visitation
October
3
Phillip Funeral Home Chapel
3:00 - 5:15 pm
Memorial Service
October
3
Phillip Funeral Home Chapel
Starts at 5:30 pm
Later Date
Mary Zwirlein's Guestbook
Visits: 13
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