Mary Ann Spulak

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR
Mary Ann Spulak 80
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, January 22, 2016
10:30 A.M.
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Leigh, Nebraska

VISITATION
Thursday 4-7 P.M.
Rosary Service 7 P.M.
Friday 9:30-10:30 A.M.
all at the church

MEMORIALS
Family Wishes

COMMITTAL
St. Mary's Cemetery
Leigh, Nebraska\

LUNCH
Church Basement

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Mary Ann Spulak, 80, of Leigh, died Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at the Countryside Home in Madison

Mary Ann (Huismann) Spulak

Mary Ann Spulak, 80, of Leigh, NE passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at Countryside Home in Madison, NE. Mary Ann was known for accomplishing a lot in her lifetime; her two proudest were
her family of eight children and the career she built over 31 years at Maple Valley Co-op in Leigh, NE. Mary Ann’s personality was one of a chameleon. She could connect with anyone and socialize with everyone. Her home was always open to anyone who cared to stop by for coffee and conversation; Lord help them if they accidentaly called her “Mary.” She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, niece, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, teacher, colleague, employer and volunteer. Regardless of her status, she was the pinnacle of confidence, spirit, candor and strength.

Mary Ann was born in Leigh on December 21, 1935 to Gerhard and Martha (Steiner) Huismann. She graduated from Leigh High School in 1953, at which point she quickly transitioned to teaching near Norfolk, NE until 1954.

In March 1954, Mary Ann was engaged to Louis A. Spulak and on September 14, 1954, they wereunited in marriage at St. Bonaventure Catholic church in Columbus, NE.

Mary Ann and Louis lived in multiple locations ranging from a farm south of Stanton, NE to a farm south of Clarkson, NE. Most recently, they settled into their final home in Leigh in September 1983 where Mary Ann lived for 31 years until 2014. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Altar Society and the American Legion Auxiliary.

From 1954 to 1963, Mary Ann focused on raising six kids (two more surprised them later). In 1963, Mary Ann began working for Dale Electronics in Columbus, NE and in 1966, she transitioned to
working for Maple Valley Co-op in Leigh for the next 31 years. While at the Co-op, Mary Ann started as a bookkeeper and ended as the General Manager, the role she held when she ultimately retired in 1997. At that point Mary Ann volunteered at a few places including the Columbus hospital, which she enjoyed for as long as her health would allow. In the end, Mary Ann admitted her lifetime desire to be a nurse and help others.

Mary Ann is survived by: her children Ann (Gary) Richter of Stanton, NE, Louise (Lowell) Christensen of Pilger, NE, Susan (Dave) Machacek of North Platte, NE, Maureen (Mike) Machacek of Leigh, NE,
Ellen (Jim) Neal of Kansas City, MO, Tony (Stacy) Spulak of Omaha, NE, Kristin (Travis) Brandenburgh of Wichita, KS; her son-in-law Rod Keenan, Norfolk, NE; 21 grandkids and 22 great grandkids and three sisters-in-law,Irene Huisman of Schuyler, Roseann Rosberg of Madison and Darlene Zoubek of Stanton.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; daughter Colleen Keenan, great- grandson Louis Emil Machacek, five brothers, Don, Gary, Herman, Carl and Harold Huismann; and two sisters, Elizabeth Mohnsen and Dolores Shannon.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 21st from 4:00-7:00 pm with rosary services at 7:00 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be Friday, January 22nd at 10:30 am with a luncheon immediately following. All services will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Leigh, NE.

Mary Ann was loved and respected and loved to respect others. She passed away with a lifetime of memories from everyone she loved, admired and respected throughout her career and personal life. Her loss is significant and will forever be in our hearts.

In late 2014, Mary Ann’s children found letters that Louis wrote to her as they were courting before their engagement in 1954. One poem he shared with her beautifully captured the essence of their love for 46 years before Louis passed away in 1999. It has special meaning as we celebrate Mary Ann today.

“Did you know that God above, Created you for me to love? He picked you out from all the rest, Because he knew I loved you the best.

I had a heart and it was true. But now it’s gone from me to you. Take care of it Darling, as I have done, For you have two and I have none.

If I go to heaven, and you’re not there, I’ll print your name on the golden stairs. So all the angels can know and see, What you my darling mean to me.”