Mae N. Ankerson, 94, of Caroline, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014, at Evergreen Care Center, Shawano.
The former Mae Nila Schmidt was born on May 10, 1920, in Caroline to Benjamin and Alvina (Buss) Schmidt. She graduated from Marion High School in 1938. Mae was united in marriage to Ellsworth “Al” Ankerson on Oct. 19, 1941. The couple lived in Caroline their entire married life, and Al preceded her in death on Feb. 8, 1986.
Mae worked in Clintonville for many years, first at Schultz Bros. Dime Store and then Vanity Fair Beauty Shop, where she made many lifelong friends. In addition, Mae worked at Zig’s Supper Club in Marion for some time.
She was an active member of the Caroline community, serving as historian for the Caroline Community Development Corp., member of the Peaceful Valley Homemakers, Zion Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Aid and served as a Sunday school teacher. Mae was also a leader with the Caroline Aces 4-H Club. She was co-writer of the sesquicentennial book “Best Mill by a Dam Site” a history of the grist mill. She was also a poet penning many poems. In addition, Mae was an accomplished photographer, handing down her talents to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In earlier years, she enjoyed bowling. She was a member of the team 5 of a Kind, which included her four daughters. Following her grandsons in sports and watching the Caroline Cougars baseball club were enjoyed by Mae and Al. Yahtzee and Scrabble were favorite board games, which she continued to play during her stay at Evergreen. She also loved to play balloon volleyball, enjoyed the crafts at the care center and the occasional road trip to the casino.
Mae will be remembered for her lifelong love of music. She often played the organ at family gatherings and entertained others at Evergreen playing piano. Animals were also very important to Mae, particularly cats. As a child she took great joy spending time at the family farm, feeding the piglets by hand. Throughout all her adult life her home was shared with one or more furry friends.
Survivors include four daughters, Kathy (Dave) Krueger, of Caroline, Marsha Zimmerman, of Clintonville, Carla (Kevin) Albert, of Marion, and Diane (Dave) Blashe, of Marion; nine grandchildren, Fred (Tammy) Zimmerman, of Marion, Terri Jo (Terry) Kust, of Clintonville, Jason (Kim) Zimmerman, of Clintonville, Don (Robyn) Krueger, of Kaukauna, Tammy (Kristine) Kernz, of Redwood City, California, David (Stephanie) Hintz Jr., of Marion, Danielle (Daryle) Zarling, of Clintonville, Rob (Tina) Schmoll, of Wausau, Jeremy (Lisa) Schmoll, of Bear Creek; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren are Keegan Krueger (Justin Baur), of Kaukauna, Jacklyn Krutz of Tacoma, Washington, Kylie Mae (Terry Watters), of Kaukauna, Trista (John) Van Allen (Aiden and Sawyer), of Winneconne, Nicole Zimmerman (Al Beyersdorf), of Pella, Jacob Zimmerman (Heather Wanta), of Marion, Zachary (Kenzie Laatsch) Zimmerman, of Marion; Alex Zimmerman, of Marion; Jordan Kust, Jared Kust and Jessica Kust, of Clintonville, Hailey Zimmerman, of Fond du Lac, Ashton Newbury, Delaney Hintz, Dalton Hintz, David Hintz III, Trenton Gauthier and Bella Gauthier, of Clintonville, Lilli Schmoll and Lane Schmoll, of Bear Creek, Brittni (Bill) Thebo, of Marion, Merrik Hansen, of Clintonville, Amber Zarling, of Clintonville; stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren, Brandon (Sarah) Blashe (Wyatt and Sydney); special niece, Yvonne Di Prizio, of Pittsville, Illinois; and many other relatives and friends.
Mae was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ellsworth; a son-in-law, David Hintz Sr.; two sisters, Eva (Bill) Zimmerman and Ada (Milton) Colden; and a brother, Everett (Lydia) Schmidt.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Caroline. The Rev. Craig Nehring will officiate, and burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of service at the church.
The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be sent via www.beil-didier.com.
The Elusive Moonbeam
Have you ever tried to catch a moonbeam?
A jewel set in the darkness of night,
A brilliant golden mirage poised, ready for flight.
A gift sent down by the heavens
To shine on the rich, the poor, the distressed.
It’s radiance warms the hearts of many.
The lonely, the sad, the oppressed.
Proud moonbeam keep on gleaming
In your own provocative way.
Fill the dreams of those who watch you with bubbly ecstasy.
Guide the footsteps of the weary,
Who along life’s pathway trod.
Bestow on all humanity
The light and love of God.
- By Mae Ankerson 1/22/1962 with the help of God
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