Mary Ann (“Maryanne”) Gruetzmacher passed away on April 23, 2026. Born on January 6, 1939, in Greenfield, Wisconsin, Maryanne's journey through life was filled with faith, happiness, joy, family, and friends.
Maryanne had a deep love for family. She was especially close to her older brother, Greg, who preceded her in death in 2012. She remained close to her younger sisters, Fran and Barbara, all her life. As a young girl, she enjoyed bike riding with her siblings, riding in the boat on the lake, and just being outside helping her parents with the chickens and flower and vegetable gardens. In her adult years, her numerous flower beds were magazine-worthy. She loved being outdoors, watching the birds she fed, especially cardinals. She loved to dance, especially the waltz and polka. She was even part of a square-dancing group. She was an avid reader and, after she retired, was known to read a dozen books in a month.
In her lifetime, in addition to caring for her children, she started working at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company before she was married. After she had her two children, she worked as a waitress, a motel front-desk clerk, a bookkeeper, and a secretary. She moved to Florida to work alongside her brother as the co-owner of the Classique Bowling Center. After leaving Florida and moving to Tennessee to be closer to the rest of her family, she helped her daughter teach religious education classes and worked painting houses and as a housekeeper for the Catholic churches in Cookeville and Sparta. She loved a great party and hosted many over the years.
Maryanne derived great joy in supporting her children and granddaughters in all of their lives' endeavors. She was an integral part of St. Joseph's elementary school, where her children attended in Big Bend, Wisconsin. She was always willing to help in any way possible, from organizing fish fries to being a room mother and a chaperone on field trips. When her first granddaughter was born, she thought she was too young to be called “Grandma,” so she was fondly known as “Gram.” She took great pride in her children and granddaughters. She traveled to every state where her children lived and was even known to bring chicken nuggets to the softball dugout during a game. She could always be counted on to be there. She helped in whatever capacity she could during the many craft-show years and was an avid spectator at all of her granddaughters' sporting events.
She had a feisty spirit for someone with a small stature, but would fiercely hold her ground for something she believed in. She was always honest, and she loved Jesus. Her faith was of the utmost importance to her all of her life. Above all, she never met a stranger and was always God's willing servant to everyone she met.
Maryanne is survived by her daughter, Sandy Swearengin; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Vicki Cypcar; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Rebecca Cypcar and Clint Looper; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Mary Catherine and Corey Wright; great-granddaughter, Ann James Wright; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and John Sergio; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Tom Harmon; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Casimir and Margaret (Schabowski) Gruetzmacher; dear stepmother, Betty June Gruetzmacher; favorite brother, Gregory Gruetzmacher; son-in-law, Pat Swearengin; and nephew, Patrick Gruetzmacher; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Maryanne will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered by the many people who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her kindness.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass.
The family will inter her remains at a later time at Dodson Branch Cemetery in Jackson County, Tennessee.
At Maryanne's request, in lieu of flowers, please offer Masses for the repose of her soul at the Catholic church of your choice.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home is honored to serve Mrs. Mary Ann Gruetzmacher's family.
Online condolences may be made to the family at oaklawnmemorial.com.
