Mary Ann V. Dedow

Mary Ann Dedow (nee Hanseter), passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. She was born in Oshkosh on March 25, 1938, the eldest child of Joseph and Henrietta (Michel) Hanseter. She attended St. Vincent’s grade school and spent eight years, including high school, in the convent. While a nun, she completed most of her college education at Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, and taught school in Milwaukee.

After leaving the convent, she completed her BA degree at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and went on to a long career in journalism. Mary Ann worked for newspapers in Milwaukee, St. Paul, Minnesota, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, and Oshkosh.

Her job as Food Editor at the Oshkosh Northwestern brought her into close contact with local restaurant owners. Their cooperation enabled her, along with friend Marty Watkins, to establish the Oshkosh Singles Dining Club in 1983. Mary Ann also owned and operated a private detective agency and tutored both children and adults in reading.

She married Glen Dedow, on December 27, 1985. They spent many happy years together, planting trees, fishing, and gardening at their country home, playing Bridge, entertaining family and friends, until his death in 2011.

She volunteered for Father Carr’s Place 2-B; at the Ecumenical Food Pantry; as a PAL at Webster Stanley School; and as an Ambassador for The Chamber. She also rang bells for The Salvation Army for several years. She was always an advocate for the poor, the disabled and elderly.

Mary Ann was a 25-year member of the American Association of University Women, and the Oshkosh Noon Kiwanis for several years.

Surviving are her children, Noreen M. Koene Smith (Jeff), and Davis J. Koene; granddaughter, Lilit Smith; sister-in-law, Jodie Hanseter; stepsons, Stephen Dedow and Matthew Dedow; step-grandchildren, Anthony (Gina), Freya, Sophia, Owen, Athena, Julian and Lucian; step-great-grandson, Henry; nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Glen, brother, John Hanseter, sister Kathleen Hopfinger, step-daughter-in-law, Kathy Dedow, sister-in-law Dorothy Imse, brothers-in-law, Tony Hopfinger and John Imse, and former husband Wayne Koene.

A visitation will be held Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Westside, 100 Lake Pointe Dr. Oshkosh, WI 54904 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. There will also be visitation Monday, October 30, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, 700 W. Linwood Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901, from 10:00 until the time of service at 11:00 AM. A private burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family.