Mary A. Harper

After a long illness, Mary Harper of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin  died on a beautiful fall day, October 20, 2024. Mary was born on May 23, 1964 in Osseo Hospital, the youngest of six children of Muriel (Bunderson) and Lt William E .Harper USN retired.  Mary’s family moved to Beaver Dam, WI in 1964.  A proud Golden Beaver, Mary attended Wilson Elementary as well as Beaver Dam Jr. and Sr. High Schools. While in high school, Mary was a National Honor Student, Class President and participated in interscholastic sports and cheerleading.  She graduated magna cum laude from UW-Platteville in 1986 and earned her law degree from UW-Wisconsin’s School of Law in 1989.  Mary served as an assistant district attorney in both Shawano and Marathon counties.  After her marriage in 1999, Mary worked as a public defender in southern WIsconsin.  Mary was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary.

She is survived by her son, James Fletcher of Beaver Dam, her mother, Muriel Harper, also of Beaver Dam, her siblings, Gini (Dave)Reineke, Shawano; Vicki Harper (Wayne Chapman) Sun Prairie; Bill (Lisa) Harper Beaver Dam; Roni Harper, Beaver Dam; Kristin  (Jim ) Fountaine, Evansville; She is also survived by her former husband, Wade Fletcher, and mother in-law, Eugenia Fletcher, of Beaver Dam, along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and  nephews. Mary was further survived by other relatives, friends and her beloved, “good boy” Kobe.  Mary was preceded in death by her father, William  E . Harper, and her former father-in-law James Fletcher, both of Beaver Dam.

To really know her was to love her, but here are many “Somethings about” our Mary who was:

The most giving person, be it to Shriner’s Hospital, the Humane Society, random on-line charities, or to her nieces and nephews.

A lover of animals, taking in dogs, cats, horses, and even people at times.

An avid,prolific reader, someone who walked her dog while reading the newest John Grisham novel.

A wonderful cook and hostess, who collected Clothtique Santas and often transformed her house into a holiday wonderland.

An intelligent, former prosecutor and defense attorney, graduate of UW-Madison Law School.

A witty conversationalist, fluent in sarcasm.

A fierce, loving and proud mother to her  son who she taught to throw a football and cuddle a puppy. An avid fan of that son’s wrestling, football and competitive auto racing.

A “baby sister” to five older and adoring siblings.

Someone moved to tears by a television commercial, her niece’s vocal solo, or an adorable picture of her great niece.

A patron of the arts, a collector of original works of art,  and a member of BDACT productions.

An athlete who could fire a baseball, ride a horse, run sled dogs, spike a volleyball, bowl a strike and putt for birdies.

An avid Green Bay Packer fan.

A caring, loving daughter to a proud mother.

Mary had a big heart and a great capacity for love and having fun.  She loved puppies, kittens, babies, children and family, but most of all, she loved her son, James.

A memorial gathering will be held at Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 5 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 6 p.m. Rev. Eric Taylor will officiate. Inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Memorials may be made to the Dodge County Humane Society or a charity of your choice.