Mary Jane Lisowski

On Friday morning, March 13, 2026, Mary Jane Lisowski was met at Heaven's Gate by her "Billy". They both smiled once again like they hadn't smiled since Dec 6, 2024 when Billy was called ahead of her. We believe he had to get that garden planted so when she arrived they could once again can jars and jars of pickles, tomatoes, salsa, juice and jam. We, as a family, know her story but will share the highlights with you. She was so much more than what a single obituary can capture.
On March 14, 1953, Betty (Klopp) and Bob Steiner of rural Gilmanton were blessed with their first child, Mary Jane. She was definitely the twinkle in her dad's eye and throughout life remained a "daddy's girl". Mary Jane was raised on the farm in rural Gilmanton and that was always one of her happiest places to be. She attended the one-room Griffin School until it closed and then went to Gilmanton Elementary. She was very active in 4-H showing calves, sewing clothes and attempting gardening. After seeing her produce had been awarded a blue ribbon at a Gilmanton Fair, she announced "Mom, your garden took 1st" (Guess Billy was the true gardener.) She was also very involved in Trinity Lutheran Church's youth and taught Sunday School for many years. She was her dad's "hired man" for many years, driving tractors and helping with making hay. She graduated from GHS as Valedictorian of the Class of 1971. Even though that was the end of her formal education, she never stopped learning. She could debate wars and politics with the "best of them".
On September 25,1971, Mary Jane married the love of her life and honest-to-goodness soulmate, Bill (Billy) Lisowski at St. Stanislaus in Arcadia. Not only were Mary Jane and Bill blessed with each other, they were also blessed with Robert (Cathy) of Ladysmith, Robin (Shane Semb) of Verona and Rachel (Chuck) Amundson of Arcadia. She was Nana to Nolan and Will Lisowski-Semb, Nathan (Elizabeth) Amundson and Kathryn Amundson and Great-Nana to precious Ayla Jane Amundson and Baby Amundson joining this loving family in July. Dear Ayla -you are what kept Great-Nana going after losing Great-Papa and Dear New Baby Amundson - Great-Nana was so excited to meet you. Nathan and Katie - Nana and Papa wish you nothing but the best in your future. They were so proud of you and you meant the world to them.
Rachel pretty much summed it up. "She was an amazing Mom, a wonderful cook, the best listener and unbiased advice giver. They were our glue and it sucks that everything is just gonna be duct tape going forward."
Mary Jane always considered her siblings' spouses her own. She will be so missed by Rita and Rich Hayter, John and Ann Steiner and Julie and Jeff Kacures and their families, as well as Billy's brothers and sisters and families. She was preceded in death by her Billy, her parents Bob and Betty Steiner and Bill's parents Roman and Helen Lisowski and great-nephew, Conrad. There will be no funeral service at this time. Burial for Mary Jane and Billy will be at Gilmanton Cemetery at a later date.
Family was the most important thing in life to Mary Jane, other accomplishments fell much Lower on her list of importance. She wanted family to know she loved them. She wanted to keep family warm and fed and safe and took great pride in having a nice load of laundry drying in the breeze. Mary Jane and Bill worked to provide for their family and their success and happiness was their reward. We found this in Mary Jane's handwriting the day she left us:
"Never forget who was there for you when no one else was." We hope we were there for you when you needed us. You were always there for us. You will be so missed and never forgotten. Give Billy a hug from each of us - make sure he gives you a dollar for each one, though.