Mary Verhelst

Mary L. Verhelst, age 73, found peace on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. She was born November 8, 1942 to Gottlieb and Lenore (Ingelse) Kober of Kohler. Mary was a lifelong resident of Kohler Village. She attended and graduated from Kohler School, Class of 1960. In 1967 she married Marvin Verhelst of Sheboygan. For several years after graduation, Mary worked as a secretary in the main office at Kohler Co. Mary loved being a mom. After beginning her own family, she was "mom" to over 200 kids, providing child care in her home for over 20 years. Later in life, she worked for and retired from Kohls Department Store.

Mary was a talented seamstress, creating costumes for the Kohler Village Players with her friend Arlette. She was well known for her artistic abilities and enjoyed crafting with her friend Bernice. They displayed their work at numerous shows, as long as Jerry packed up the van! Her love of art and crafting continued throughout the rest of her life. Marys latest hobby was cardmaking with her friend Sue. She also enjoyed playing Bingo and never missed an opportunity to "go up north!" She will be remembered most for her great sense of humor, her love of entertaining and her amazing party planning.

Mary is survived by her loving daughters Amy Lyn (Andrew) Pace of Kohler and Heidi Jo (Mark) Thun of Sheboygan; cherished grandsons Connor and Blake Thun; and her dear brother Michael (Ruth) Kober of Cottage Grove, Oregon. She is further survived by Marvins children: Mary Jane (Larry) Dassler, Mark (Margie) Verhelst, Marilyn (Terry) Dye, Marie Wiesner, and Marcia Spettel; cousin Joan, and numerous other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother David Kober; and beloved husband Marvin.

Funeral Service for Mary will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church (222 Church Street Kohler) with Pastor Robert Steele officiating. Her family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Tuesday from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Private inurnment in Wildwood Cemetery in Sheboygan.

Amy and Heidi would like to share their heartfelt and sincere gratitude to her many supportive and helpful friends, especially Pat and Don, Patty, Elsie, and Dick for making sure she continued to get out and enjoy life. They would also like to thank Jenny, CiJade, Lisa and Dr. Brooks, and the entire 4K Staff at Sheboygan Memorial Hospital.