Mary Elizabeth (Hintz) Vander Veen
Mary Elizabeth (Hintz) Vander Veen, age 95, of Sharon Township, died December 2, 2023 in the care of hospice at Golden Years, Lake Geneva WI, due to complications from a fall.
Mary was born September 17, 1928 in Lake Bluff IL, the daughter of Cyrus and Edith (Walkinshaw) Hintz. She grew up in Northbrook and Marengo IL, graduating from Marengo High School in 1946. Mary married Edward Vander Veen in the Presbyterian Church, Marengo IL on October 2, 1948.
Mary was the offspring of a strong, sensible farm girl from Iowa and a tough WWI Marine, with restless determination–always dreaming of the next big challenge. These qualities would serve her well throughout her life. Born at the beginning of the Depression and raised on a chicken farm in Northbrook IL, she would endure the hardships of those times. Beyond developing a lifelong distaste for chicken, she learned from her father what hard work, perseverance, and determination meant. This instilled the wisdom that “only you are in control of your destiny.” She frequently said “no one wants to come to your pity party; so get back to work.” Her mother ingrained a culture of lifelong education and learning, which Mary pursued throughout life.
Her family moved to Marengo IL during her high school years. She planned to become an extension home economist, but she met Ed and those plans changed as they started to build their life together.
Mary and Ed began farming on rented farms with two horses, a handful of registered Jersey cows and no money. They moved many times until 1959 when they purchased a run-down farm in Sharon WI. Mary immediately went to work transforming their fixer upper into her dream (vision). Through designing, planning and plenty of sweat equity, she made a home while working side by side with Ed on the farm. She treasured watching her family, cows, crops, and garden grow. The farm prospered and grew over the decades. (Ed was conservative, but Mary was the risk taker; she would often say, “you farm better with a little debt.”)
Mary enjoyed life’s adventures, but especially traveling. Mary and Ed traveled throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. They loved to talk about the places they had visited and the friends they made along the way.
Always investing in worthwhile endeavors, her most valuable gift was her time. She was a volunteer dynamo: blood drives; library board; PTA; dairy promotion; farm visits; 4-H general leader; 4-H clothing leader; community fundraisers; cemetery board; and the Walworth County Fair; the list goes on–too numerous to mention!
Mary was a natural talent at everything she touched. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t learn. If she didn’t know how to do something, she researched it, practiced it, and perfected it. With Mary, no detail was forgotten. She was generous with her array of talents and all who knew her held a part of that. Her dedication–whether it was a donated comfort pillow, homemade pie, 4-H sewing lesson, or hours at the library teaching English as a second language–was unending.
Her greatest passion was that of the Wisconsin Association for Home & Community Education (formerly UW-Extension Homemakers). She served over 75 years in nearly every local, state, and national leadership position right up until the time of her death. She valued her role with HCE as the highest of all her many volunteer roles and cherished the many relationships and experiences she had throughout the organization.
Never one for sentimental words, Mary showed her love and appreciation through cooking. Her culinary delights were renowned. Whether it was a family holiday or feeding a burly construction crew on the farm, it was never anything short of effortless perfection. This expression of love will be greatly missed, not only by those close to her, but the countless hungry mouths she fed during her life.
Mary will be missed for the contributions noted above, her sharp sense of humor, a willingness to give to others, a home that she opened to everyone, and especially her cinnamon rolls.
She is survived by her children Scott (Vivian) Vander Veen of Clinton, Lee Ann Weber of NM, Mark Vander Veen of Springdale AR, and Bruce (Laura) Vander Veen of Sharon: six grandchildren, Sean, Sandra (Brian Harshaw), Garrett, Madison (Jacob Koester), Samantha and Jamie; two great-grandchildren, Troy and Liam; sister Ruth Ann (Hintz) Beyers; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law, Henry and Olive (Jurgens) Vander Veen; brother Donald Hintz, brothers-in-law Robert Vander Veen and Wayne Beyers; sister-in-law, Gladys (Potter) Hintz, niece Betty (Hintz) Hemmeter, and nephew James Hintz.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Dr. Clifford Poplar and those who cared for her at Golden Years of Lake Geneva, and Badger Hospice for their compassionate care.
A special thanks to Debbie Wojcik who provided home care, allowing Mary to live in her home until nearly the end–as she wished. Debbie’s most valuable gift was her friendship . . .and gossip–that kept Mary going!
The family is honoring Mary’s wishes for a private service. Toynton Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sharon Fire & Rescue or a favorite charity of your choice.
“So. . . get back to work everyone.”
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