Mary Jane Lisowski

Mary Jane Lisowski passed away on Friday morning, March 13, 2026, and was met at Heaven’s Gate by her beloved husband, Bill, whom she called Billy. They smiled once again as they had not since December 6, 2024, when Billy was called ahead of her. The family believes he had gone on to prepare the garden so they could once more can jars of pickles, tomatoes, salsa, juice, and jam together.

Born on March 14, 1953, to Betty (Klopp) and Bob Steiner of rural Gilmanton, Mary Jane was the first of their children and remained her father’s “daddy’s girl” throughout her life. Raised on the family farm, she attended the one-room Griffin School and later Gilmanton Elementary. She was active in 4-H, showing calves, sewing, and gardening, and was deeply involved in Trinity Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She worked alongside her father as his “hired man,” driving tractors and making hay. In 1971, she graduated as valedictorian of the Gilmanton High School Class of 1971. Though she pursued no further formal education, she remained an avid learner who could discuss wars and politics with the best of them.

On September 25, 1971, Mary Jane married the love of her life and true soulmate, Bill Lisowski, at St. Stanislaus in Arcadia. Together they raised three children: Robert (Cathy) of Ladysmith, Robin (Shane Semb) of Verona, and Rachel (Chuck) Amundson of Arcadia. She was a cherished Nana to Nolan and Will Lisowski-Semb, Nathan (Elizabeth) Amundson, and Kathryn Amundson, and a loving Great-Nana to Ayla Jane Amundson and the new baby Amundson expected in July. Family was the center of Mary Jane’s world. She took pride in keeping her loved ones warm, fed, and safe, and found joy in simple tasks such as hanging laundry to dry in the breeze. She was an amazing mother, a wonderful cook, a patient listener, and a source of unbiased advice. She considered her siblings’ spouses as her own and remained close to Billy’s brothers and sisters and their families.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents Bob and Betty Steiner, Bill’s parents Roman and Helen Lisowski, and great-nephew Conrad. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings Rita and Rich Hayter, John and Ann Steiner, Julie and Jeff Kacures, and all their families. Burial for Mary Jane and Billy will take place at Gilmanton Cemetery at a later date. In her own handwriting, she left these words: “Never forget who was there for you when no one else was.” She was always there for her family, and they will never forget her.