Mary J. Gahlman, 57, died at her residence with her husband by her side. Her 15 year battle with cancer ended on June 12, 2009. Mary was born in Hartford, WI on August 20, 1951 to Raymond and Teresa (nee: Kennedy) Becker. On September 2, 1972, she married the love of her life, Carl Gahlman. They moved to Sturtevant in 1973 and settled in Racine in 1988. Mary was a member and enjoyed attending mass at St. Lucy Catholic Church. She also treasured her time spent with her dear friends and the “Birthday Club.” However, Mary was happiest when in the surroundings of her family. In addition to her devoted husband, Carl, Mary is survived by her mother, Teresa Becker of Hartford; brothers and sisters, Richard (Kay) Becker of Hartford, Robert (Maureen) Becker of Janesville, Teresa (Richard) Merkel of St. Charles, IL., Bonnie (Thomas) Callen of Wauwatosa, Paul (Sarah) Becker of Kansas City, MO; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dean Gahlman of Hartford, Mary Joan (Milton) Fuiten of Green Bay, Gerald (Patricia) Gahlman, Carol (James) Nyswonger both of Hartford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who meant so much to Mary. Her father, Raymond Becker and niece, Therese Nelsen preceded Mary in death. Her life and mass will be celebrated at St. Lucy Catholic Church (3101 Drexel Ave.) on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Leonard Copeland officiating. There will be a visitation in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday evening from 5-8 p.m. and in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. A cremation will follow the mass and a private interment will take place at a later date in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. Memorials in Mary’s name have been suggested to either Relay for Life or St. Lucy Catholic Church. I would like to thank Dr. Ajit Divgi of Milwaukee and his nursing staff (especially, Judy) as well as Vitas Hospice for the loving care they provided. I also wish to thank Carla Kovacs for her friendship and nursing skills. And to the many family and friends who were there for us during Mary’s illness. May God bless all of you. Sincerely, Carl
Mike & Jonnie Metzker says
Dear Carl,
Mike and I were so sad to hear about Mary. We only met you two one time at Jan’s wedding but you both just felt like family. If there is anything we can do for you, all you have to do is ask. Mary was a beautiful woman and will missed by many. Try to take comfort in the Lord and know Mary is with him now.
Love to you
Mike and Jonnie
Al and Susie says
The memories are as countless as they are priceless. From our first cigarette together in 9th grade to our “wheel chair vacation” on Mackinac Island last year, I will miss my beloved friend, Mary Jean. Karl, we are here for you and love you dearly. You’ll always be part of our lives. Our hearts are breaking for you and your families. May God comfort you and bring peace to you and know that we will all be together in heaven one day, where Mary waits as a heavenly angel.
With love and caring thoughts and prayers,
Al and Susie (members of the amazing high school friends group)
Maureen Shinners Mitchell says
Dear Butch,
My heart and prayers are with you in the loss of your beautiful wife.The Becker family has always been a special part of the Shinners family. God love you as I know He does Mary.
Blessings Maureen
Kathy Goins says
Carl,
We cannot adequately express our feelings at this time as they are mixed with sadness over the loss of such a remarkable friend, and happiness because we were the recipients of the love and friendship and support you and Mary offered on many occasions.
Thank you for sharing your most precious gift, Mary, with our family.
Love,
Kathy, Christie, Jeff, & Brian
Beth Grissom & Andrew Grissom says
Carl~
May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.
Debbie Gahlman-Olson says
My deepest sympathies are with you Butch. I loved Mary and all the joy she shared with us. Now she can be at peace, experience joy and love from our blessed father in heaven.
Margaret Van Beckukm says
my love and prayers to Mary’s wonderful family …. who enjoyed her right to the end… and will continue to live in the memories of her.
peace, Marge
ROSE HANNES says
Carl,
I was saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. I prayed for you both often. She had a brave heart. Rose Hannes
Rob & Pam Jordan says
Our deepest sympathy to Butch, Aunt Teresa and all of Mary Jean’s family and friends. We are thinking of Mary Jean and all of you and we know that Mom, Aunt Millie and Aunt Mary are welcoming her. We wish we could be there but unfortunately that is not possible.
Take care, Rob.
Mike and Kay Mally says
Dear Teresa and family; Our condolances and prayers are with you and Carl during this time.
Linda, Amanda, and Caroline Stephenson says
I am so sorry to receive the said news of Mary’s passing. Amanda, Caroline and I have so many happy memories of spending Thanksgivings with Mary and Carl at Dick and Terri Merkel’s. We will keep all of Mary’s family in our prayers.
Linda, Amanda, and Caroline Stephenson and Dick Whited (Linda’s husband)
Jackie and Greg Parrish says
Dear Butch, Though we haven’t seen you or Mary in many years, Mom always kept us informed of Mary’s long battle. Her picture is exactly the Mary I remember, the big smile, the sparkle in her eyes. Words can’t convey how sorry we are for your loss. You’re both in our prayers. Love Jackie and Greg
Shelly and Jon Eichler says
Butch,
Jon and I are sorry we are not not able to be with you.
We are thinking alot of you and Mary and the day we spent with you in Hawaii. We will hold those memories of Mary in our hearts forever.
We love you.
Jon and Shelly
Tracy and Chris Lindsay says
Dear Butch,
We are with you in spirit as you go through these hours and days. What a wonderful person Mary was – we’ll never forget her laugh, and her amazingly positive attitude. We are all blessed to have had time with her over the years. We love you and hope to see you soon.
Love, Tracy and Chris
Barbara "Woman" Herdina says
Hi Carl, I just received a call from Bonnie Zuest and she told me about Mary’s Death. I am soooooo sorry. I know you too were perfect together and you were the love of her life for sure. I wish I could have seen you too mor e often. I did get a picture from Carol with you and Mary, Tracey,Carol and Larry this past Christmas. Boy time flies and I hope to see you at the Class reunion. OK “Woman” Love ya, Barb Herdina
Melinda Menchavez says
Dearest Butch,
Our family joins you in this time of deep sorrow. May the prayers sent your way uplift you and may the Holy Spirit send a calmness to embrace you and let you feel that you are not alone in this healing journey.
Much Love,
Melinda, Philips, Matthew and Pauline