Obituary: Mary J. Backhaus

Mary J. Backhaus, of Waukesha, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at the age of 87 years. 

She was born in Milwaukee, on January 7, 1926, the daughter of Morris and Norma (Weide) Ramsburg. Mary was a 1944 graduate of Lincoln High School. After graduating, Mary danced with the D’Oberlander German Society and was employed by First Wisconsin Bank.

On October 1, 1949, Mary was united in marriage to Ralph R. Backhaus. She sang with the Waukesha Chorale Union, the Lutheran Chorale in Milwaukee, and was active at the Waukesha YWCA. Mary sang in the church choir and had participated in the handbell choir at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church and at U.W. Waukesha. She had attended Carroll College and UW-Waukesha where she studied and majored in Theater. Mary had been employed at the Old Tavern Cheese Company, RTE, and later with LPI. She enjoyed gardening, needlework, reading, and playing the piano. Mary will forever be known as an adventurous cook.

Mary is survived by her loving children, Eric (Jane) Backhaus and Patricia Backhaus all of Waukesha; loving grandma to Melissa Backhaus and Steven Backhaus both of Waukesha and Christine (David) Peters of Hartland. Also surviving are one sister; Dorothy Bauer of California, and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Duane D. (Marjorie) Backhaus of Arizona. Mary is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; Morris and Norma Ramsburg, husband; Ralph Backhaus on June 13, 2002 and by two sisters; Joyce (Lloyd) Schneeberg and Betty (Julio) Rodriguez.

The visitation for Mary will be take place on Monday, August 19, 2013 from 10 a.m. until the noon funeral service at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, located at 700 Beechwood Avenue, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186. The Reverend Art Koepsell will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at Prairie Home Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Mary may be given to Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, (Please see address above). 

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services are serving the family.  For the online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit http://www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com, or call 262-542-6609.