Mary Jo Berends 05/07/2025

Mary Jo (MJ) Berends born March 16, 1959 in New Richmond, WI to Ralph and Rachel (Casey) Berends passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by love and family on May 7, 2025 after a courageous six year battle with cancer.

MJ attended St. Mary’s school and graduated from New Richmond High School in the class of 1977.

After graduation, she held many different jobs from human services to car sales finance.  She finished her career in finance banking retiring from FNCB in New Richmond.

She enjoyed sports of all kinds and especially loved to cheer on the Wisconsin Badgers and her beloved Green Bay Packers.  She never gave up on the green and gold and hung in there through some tough seasons.

Travels to her second home in Mesa, AZ gave her immense pleasure and sharing it with family and friends was something she looked forward to each year.

Spending time with family and friends was always a priority.  She made time to help anyone who needed it and shared her bright smile with all.  We are all better having known and been loved by her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Rachel Berends and brother, Michael Berends.

Mary Jo is survived by her sister, Jean (Steve) Meyer; nieces and nephews, Katie (Scott) Cole, Eric (Anna) Meyer, Scott (Sarah) Meyer and Tyler Berends.  She adored her great nieces and nephews, Kenley, Gracie, Fletcher, Oliver and Isla; many family, friends and her “BFF” of more than 50 years Peggy Wegscheid.

Special thanks to Adoray Hospice for their help and guidance on the journey.  We will never forget the kindness they showed us.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (151 S Washington Ave) in New Richmond. Visitation was Wednesday from 12:00-1:00 pm before the service at church.  Interment will be in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. Following services a reception was held at Ready Randy’s (1490 131^st St.). In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Adoray Home Health & Hospice. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.