Marian Kienitz
September 28, 1926 - January 06, 2025
Obituary
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
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Memories
WJ
William E Kuenzi Jr.
Other • 4 months ago
As a teacher at Orchard Ridge Jr. High and Middle School from 1963 to 1974, I recall Parent teacher conferences with this wonderful lady. Anne was one of the students that made life interesting for me. My sympathies in your Mom's passing but all of you will have memories for your lifetimes. She was a gem. William E Kuenzi Jr.
CW
Carol Wichmann
Other • 4 months ago
Such a lovely person. I met Marian late in her life. She was a witty and caring person and I'm blessed to have known her. Marian will be very much missed by her family and friends.
EH
Erin Hegedus
Other • 4 months ago
Aunt Marian was alway.s a joy to be around and brought us great joy.
MG
Melissa Ganshert
Other • 4 months ago
I have fond memories of weekend garage sale adventures with my Grandma Katie, Marian and Ginny! What a fun group of ladies they all were. May her memory live on in all of you.
EC
Eric Fleming - St. Vincent de Paul - Madison - Dane County
Other • 4 months ago
Anne, Amy, Jim, Paul, Susan, Andrew, Peter, Michelle, and the entire family, our deepest prayers and condolences on the passing of Marian. Marian was a long-term supporter of St. Vincent de Paul. She was a member of the St. Maria Goretti - St. Vincent de Paul Conference in which she went on home visits to families in need, prepared and served meals and helped with apartment repairs within SVdP's housing programs, volunteered at SVdP's food pantry, and spent extended time providing comfort and care to our neighbors in need. Thank you God for the gift of Marian. We are blessed to have Marian in the St. Vincent de Paul Family! May the perpetual light shine upon her. With gratitude, -Eric Fleming and everyone at St. Vincent de Paul - Madison - Dane County.
KC
Katie Crawley
Other • 4 months ago
I did St. Vincent de Paul home visits with Marian for a number of years and she was always such a joy. We said a prayer prior to our visits and with Marian, it was always to the Holy Spirit. Marian was quite convinced she was a woman. I am in no place to doubt her. Her kindness, compassion and sense of humor are wonderful legacies. Katie Crawley