Madison – Marian E. Kienitz, age 98, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Oak Park Place in Madison. She was born on September 28, 1926, in Dubuque, Iowa, to James N. Hayes and Florence (Wickham) Hayes. Having lived 98 years, she outlived the entire generation of her family.

She is a graduate of the Visitation Academy in Dubuque and went on to nursing school at St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, MN. She was lucky that some clinical rotations were often with one of the Mayo brothers who formed the Mayo Clinic. Her training was part of the Army Nursing Cadet program in WWII.

Marian met Richard C Kienitz (Dick) while she was a nurse at Medical Associates, and he was the night editor of the Dubuque Telegraph. They married on a snowy February 3, 1951. Their first child, Anne was born there.

When Dick got a new job with the Milwaukee Journal, they relocated to Wauwatosa, where Amy was born and eventually Milwaukee. Their three sons were born, Paul, Andrew, and Peter. A final move to Madison and her life was set for the future.

In Madison, Marian was a longtime member of St. Maria Goretti parish participating in choir, St. Vincent de Paul, Madison Catholic Women’s Club, and a community meal program. She also had a nursing position at the old Jackson Clinic.

Marian traveled to over eighty countries, hitting all continents except Antarctica. She was a voracious reader, and solid bridge player, especially Monday Therapy with Katie and Ginny.

Marian is survived by her children: Anne Kienitz, Sun Prairie, WI, Amy (Jim) Steffen of Winthrop Habor, IL, Paul (Susan) of Belleville, WI, Andrew of McKinleyville, Ca, and Peter (Michelle) of Carolina Beach, NC. Her Grandchildren Elizabeth Schroeder, Margaret Koolick, Ben, Patrick, Grace & Otto Kienitz, Cooper Steffen, and Trinity Preston Kienitz. Great granddaughters Isla and Mara Schroeder. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Richard, parents James & Florence Hayes, sisters Florence (Bitsy) Schrup, Joan Ryan and brothers J.R. McVay, James and John Hayes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5313 Flad Ave, Madison, with Msgr. Kevin Holmes presiding. A visitation will take place at the church from 10:00am until the time of service. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marians favorite charities – St. Vincent de Paul or Catholic Relief Services. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

To view the livestream, please click on the link below a few minutes before the service. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnzaX-A5qSY&t=1281s

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

Marian Kienitz

September 28, 1926 - January 06, 2025

Share photos of Marian