Mary Jo Hergert's Obituary
Mary Jo Hergert, age 63 of Oshkosh, fell asleep in the lord the evening of Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Mercy Oakwood in Oshkosh. She was born July 17th, 1954 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald W Mueller and Florence (Sam) Mueller.
From the day Mary Jo was born, she was always true to who she was, a passionate free-spirit. She was never afraid to speak her mind or tell “it” like it is (and “it” usually resulting in everyone belly laughing until their stomachs hurt). Even though Mary was born with a heart defect that she didn’t find out about until her mid 50’s, that never stopped her from loving with her whole heart. Mary had the most remarkable spirit and always put others before herself. Mary’s mother, older brother and sisters meant the world to her. She loved sitting around the piano or guitar with them and belting out “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas and other John Denver and Bob Dylan classics. But, what Mary loved the most was fishing with her favorite person in the world, her Father, Don. Although, she probably would have saved all the fish if he would’ve let her. We know he’s in heaven, embracing her in a warm, big hug. Their reunion brings us peace. An animal lover to her core, she pampered her pooches, cared for her cats and treated her horses like children. Her animals were the other loves of her life (besides Phil, of course). Speaking of Phil, Mary met the actual love of her life when she was a Junior in high school and let’s just say, there were “fireworks” right from the start. They’ve been in love ever since and built a beautiful life together with their two daughters, Jesse and Jenny, who are so proud to call Mary their Mom. She was the most wonderful Mother, but she was more than just a Mom, she was a best friend to every soul she touched.
Her work accomplishments included being the best Mom in the universe. However, when her girls went off to school she took her gifts of love and patience to serve as a beloved Teacher’s Assistant at two local day care providers where the kids loved her like their own Mom. She also did retail work at the Antique Mall where she honed in on her passion for finding a bargain and helping others do the same. But her most loved passion was running her own horse farm, Neon Moon Stables for nearly 18 years where she worked so hard to provide a loving (and clean) home for countless horses, dogs and cats. Her animals meant the world to her and we tried our best to make a full list of them in her honor: Sugarfoot, Ringo, Cookie, Be-one, Mickey, Misty, Nacho, Hartley, Whif, Tina, Casper, Prince, Holly, Maggie, Flip, Annie, Brewer, Joey, Jack, Willie, Dawnee and Freddie.
Mary was the type of person that made you feel better just being around her. When you were with her, you just knew you were with someone special with a beautiful soul. She lit up the room with her humor, wit and charm. She especially treasured her time with her beautiful grandchildren, Liv and Philly, they were so precious to her and they love her so much.
Survivors include her loving husband; Phil Hergert. Her daughters who meant the world to her; Jenny Hergert (Lisa Cook), Jesse Karpowitz (Phil Karpowitz, Jr.). Two amazing grandchildren who she loved dearly; Olivia Jo Karpowitz and Philly Karpowitz. Her mother Florence (Sam) Mueller. One brother and two sisters who adored her; Barbara Stahl (Steve Stahl), Janet Kaye (Mueller), Steve Mueller (Mary Ellen (Met) Wonders). Two Brothers-in-law Dave Barney (Nettie VandenMeerendonk), Bruce Hergert (Kathy Hergert). Many nieces and nephews that she adored and loved like her own children; Eric Gordon (Mary Beth Gordon), Nicole Rosenow (Shane Rosenow), Andrea Mueller, Jason Scott (Christy Hinrichs), Chrissy Desch (Andy Desch), Matt Barney (Chelsi Barney), Nick Hergert (Amy), Lindsay Hepner (Zack Hepner), Kelsey Hanneman (Derek Hanneman).
Preceding Mary in death are her Father whose bond can’t be put into words, Donald Mueller; her Sister-in-law who introduced her to her husband Phil and was more than family, Patricia (Pat) Barney; her Father-in-law who shared her love of horses, Marvin (Marv) Hergert; her Mother-in-law who was the sweetest woman, Margaret Hergert. And many wonderful friends who were like family to Mary, we know you’re all reunited and going to take her into your arms.
Private family services have been held. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s name to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society (www.oahs.org) or the Fox Valley Humane Association (www.foxvalleypets.org) would be deeply appreciated. We want to give a special shout-out to Father Chris Arnold, Reverend Sandy Muinde and Sherry Simon of Trinity Episcopal Church for their undying compassion, guidance and help, we are eternally grateful for your selflessness. And to the staff at Mercy Oakwood, we are forever grateful for your compassion and care, specifically nurses Rachelle, Kimberlee and Renee. We cannot thank you enough for your kindness, open communication and understanding and letting Aunt Janet bust out the guitar in the ICU to belt out “Country Roads” by John Denver.
Fly high, our sweet, free bird. You will be in our hearts forever.
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