Merrilee “Mary” Lainberger, born on October 15, 1954, in Madison, WI to Vernon and Arlene (Larson) Lapp, passed away on February 11, 2026. She graduated from DeForest High School in 1972. Mary was united in marriage to Dennis Lainberger on October 21, 1972, in Arlington, WI.

Mary had a long career in the Mortgage Industry working for several different companies in the Madison Area. After retiring from the mortgage industry, she worked part-time with the DeForest School District as a playground monitor.

Mary loved to spend time traveling with her husband, especially throughout the state of Wisconsin. They also loved spending time together bowling, camping, gardening and cheering on the Badgers, Packers and favorite NASCAR drivers. She was devoted to her faith and spent her whole life teaching Sunday School at church, singing in the church choir and mentoring women through the United Methodist Women’s organization.

In retirement, Mary continued to pour her time and heart into volunteering. She supported DeForest Area Needs Network (DANN)—even dressing up as a hot dog for the Fourth of July—helped with Tuesday lunch service at Cornerstone Community Center in DeForest, assisted at the DeForest Food Pantry, sang in the church choir, taught Sunday School, and faithfully attended Quilt Time at church on Thursdays. Wherever there was a need, Mary was often already there, quietly helping. Mary lived with a generous heart, a joyful spirit, and a deep devotion to community and faith. Her legacy is one of love, service, and quiet leadership, felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dennis; her children, Carrie (Martin) Cortez, Tracy (Jeff) Bode, Sarah (Jason) Tuggle and Derek (Jenny Tessmer) Lainberger; grandchildren, Brandon, Andrew, Courtney, Devin, Ethan, Cooper, Eliza, Adalyn and Caylee; great-grandson, Colten; sisters, Shirley and Cheryl; mother-in-law, Alice Lainberger and her beloved dog, Yogi.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Veron and Arlene and brother, Alan Lapp

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on February 28, 2026, at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 5901 Hogan Road, Waunakee, WI 53597. Visitation to be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on February 27, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, Windsor/DeForest Chapel, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, WI 53532.

Flowers can be sent directly to Ryan Funeral Home or in lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to D.A.N.N. (DeForest Area Needs Network), PO Box 196, DeForest WI 53532.

Mary’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Meriter Hospital and Agrace Hospice for the wonderful care and support.

To view Mary’s obituary, or to share a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Merrilee Lainberger

October 15, 1954 - February 11, 2026

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