Mary M. Ostrem

Mary M. Ostrem of Sparta, WI, joined the angels on February 10, 2026, at the age of 86 after a long battle with cancer. She was at home surrounded by love with her family.

She was married 65 years to her partner Gene, a marriage filled with love, friendly banter, kindness and support for one another. They showed us a shining example of what a marriage should be. Mary loved nothing more than being a mom, grandma, and great grandma. She held a special place in her heart for each and every one of them. So many cherished memories of the time spent with her. She spoke her mind, was always kind and loved and appreciated the life she had. A deep love of flowers and nature gave her the chance to capture some amazing photos of the bees and butterflies that would visit her flowers.

Throughout her life she always had a furry friend by her side. The last four years her amazing dog Gus offered more than emotional support through some challenging health issues.

Mary is survived by her husband, Gene; her children, Jay (Kathy), Ken (Carol), Shelly (John) Parshall; and her precious grandchildren, Colin, Nick, Justine, Kyle, Karl, KatieAnn, Alicia and Zach; as well as thirteen special great-grandchildren; and siblings, Don (Lorraine) Hammes, Mike (Sandy) Hammes, Jean (Jerry) Pierce, Jim (Jamie) Hammes; and sister-in-law, Carol Hammes.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Norbert and Marie Hammes; and brothers and sisters- in-law, Lenny Hammes, Norb (Nancy) Hammes, and Jerry (Phyllis) Hammes.

She will be deeply missed but our memories will keep her in our hearts.

We would like to send a special thank you to the wonderful team at Agrace Hospice; Mary, Dani, Liz and Jackie for taking such great care of not only Mary but her family members too. You hold a special place in our hearts for what you did for us and a special place in heaven for people like you that do this very important work.

A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary M. Ostrem, please visit our floral store.