Service Details
Funeral services commemorating Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am at St. Mary Catholic Church (7307 – 40th Avenue in Kenosha). She will be laid to rest at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. A visitation for Mary will be held on Friday, May 3, from 4 until 7 pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Memorial remembrances may be directed to the family.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorial remembrances may be directed to the family.
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Aiello Midtown Florist
Kenosha – Mary Martha Roders, the love and joy of her family’s lives, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the age of 67.
Born in Kenosha, WI, on March 13, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Mary (Hodgins) Althaus. She began her education at St. Mary Catholic School and moved on to St. Joseph High School (class of 1975), where she was proud to be a Wrestle-ette (“Proud! Are We!”).
Even in high school, Mary was known for her vivacious personality, her weird sense of humor, and her infectious laugh. She had a smile and a kind word for everyone–qualities that would persist and distinguish her for the rest of her life.
After graduating from St. Joe’s, Mary enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, where she majored in Education. She transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to double major in regular and Special Education, graduating with honors.
While home from school for the summer, Mary met Bruce Roders, the man she knew immediately to be the love of her life, at Washington Bowl pool, where they were both lifeguards. Bruce proposed six months later, and the two were married in a candlelight ceremony on November 14, 1980.
Mary will be remembered by so many for her impact as an educator and mentor to students and new teachers alike. She began her teaching career at Wheatland Center School, teaching third grade, later moving to St. Mary Catholic School. After 20 years of teaching, Mary moved to Jeffery Elementary, where she taught special education until her retirement in 2010.
Mary loved trying new things. She was an avid crafter. She especially loved traveling with Bruce each year to his Barbershop Quartet Society conventions, often getting lost with her traveling companion, Ethel, and returning hours later with stories to share. Mary inherited the family gift of gab, making friends everywhere she went. Anyone who came to the table was welcomed into the fold.
Mary leaves a legacy in her family: her husband, Bruce; her three children, Adam (Emily), Dr. Dana (Matt Specht), Kyle (Jenny); and her two absolutely beloved granddaughters, Ava and Aubrey. She is further survived by her Althaus siblings, Richard (Sue), James (Patti), William, Ann (Scott) Carney, Timothy (Diane Hart); her sisters-in-law, Karen (Bob) Kostrewa, Vicki (Pete) Huber, Diana (David) Sessa, Christine (Jeff) Bernhardt, Maureen (Eric Haugaard); and her loving nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. and Mary H. Althaus; her brother, Thomas; and her parents-in-law Vincent U. and Shirley M. (Andersen) Roders.
Funeral services commemorating Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am at St. Mary Catholic Church (7307 – 40th Avenue in Kenosha). She will be laid to rest at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. A visitation for Mary will be held on Friday, May 3, from 4 until 7 pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Memorial remembrances may be directed to the family.
Pam drummond says
To the family of Mary Roders, I was saddened to learn of Mary’s passing.
She was a great lady. I enjoyed being neighbors .
You all are in my thoughts.
Pat Smith Ashe says
To : Marys family
I’m sending my Deepest Sympathy for a this wonderful woman *
May she rest in Peace!
Paulsen family says
So sorry of hearing the loss of Mary. We all have fond memories of her at st Mary’s. School. She was a wonderful teacher and a great person. She will be remembered for her great teaching skills and wonderful effect she had in her students. Sympathy to all family and friends.
Rose Giannini says
So many memories, so many smiles
Richard Mich says
Ma ry,
We will miss your smile and your generosity.
Dave and Sue Steimle says
Dave and I are so saddened by Mary’s passing. She was an amazing and lovable woman who celebrated life every day. Bill and family, we will be with you as you go through this sad time. Unfortunately, we will be in Door County and unable to be there for all of you. God Bless you all. With deepest sympathies.
Dave and Sue Steimle says
Dear Bill and family, We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. What a loving and caring woman. We’re so sad we will be unable to attend as we will be out of town. Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Love you.
Dave Stefani says
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Mary. She was a wonderful person and a friend to all. My thoughts and prayers to all of Mary’s family. She will be truly missed.
Hope Gillespie says
My heartfelt sympathies to Mary’s family. Memories of my time with Mary Martha at St. Joe’s are very dear to me and always make me smile. She was a loving, vivacious part of my life. She will be sorely missed.
JoAnn Campolo says
I was so sad to hear the news of Mary’s passing 😢.
Mary was such an amazing & sweet lady. She was our neighbor on 25th.Ave & always invited all the neighborhood kids over to swim in their pool. I remember coming over & spending so many summer afternoons in her backyard & always felt like family! She always made me feel like one of her own & welcomed anyone & was such a loving & caring person! We even played school ( pretend) a lot when we were little with her. I was so glad to have been able to see/visit with her a few months ago & brought her a craft item I had made. She was always so crafty & one day she said ” JoAnn, we are going to make crafts together 💔”! Mary will definitely be missed, but remembered with such a huge smile and such a inspiration for so many.
Mary is at rest & no more pain now and with her parents( I can see her dad’s smile and open arms greeting her). Please say hi to my mom for me & you and her can make crafts together.
Thinking & praying for all the Roders & Mary’s siblings during this difficult time!
Nancy (McCarthy) Beres says
Dear Bruce and family,
On behalf of all “the McCarthys” we are sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. We all have such happy memories of our childhood trips from Chicago to Kenosha. We loved to climb their tree’s and use the tandem bicycle. Mary and all the Althaus family were like family to us and it took me a long while to figure out we were not blood related! God Bless all of you. I am sure there is a great reunion party going on in heaven!
Fred & Kathy Ricker says
Our prayers go out to Bill, Bruce and the entire Roders family. I know Mary and my sister Shirley will renew their friendship on the other side of heaven’s gate. RIP Mary Roders. You are missed by many.