Mary Herringa, age 62 of Beaver Dam, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Mary was born on December 24, 1947 in Fond du Lac to Robert and Katheryn Jean (nee Miller) Leitner. She graduated from Fond du Lac Goodrich High School in 1966. On November 11, 1967, she was united in marriage to Sam Herringa in Fond du Lac. Mary was a clerk at J.K. Fabrics before working in customer service at Rechek's Food Pride for over 20 years. She was a member of First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.

Mary's personality was warm and delightful. She had an infectious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. While she was quite strong and outspoken, she also had a warm, caring side that made everyone around her feel comfortable. She loved her family and her extended family, and she was especially devoted to her two granddaughters. Mary enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, shopping, cooking, baking, gardening around the house and doing ceramics. She will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of having Mary in their lives.

Mary is survived by her husband Sam Herringa of Beaver Dam; her three sons, Jeff Herringa of Beaver Dam, Joel (Julie) Herringa of Milwaukee, and Dr. Ryan (Katie) Herringa of Pittsburgh, PA; her two granddaughters, Rosemary and Libby Herringa; her brothers, John (Barbara) Leitner of Beaver Dam, Bill (Kathy) Leitner of Horicon, Mark (Karen) Leitner of Van Dyne, WI and Brian (Lynn) Leitner of West Allis, WI; her father-in-law, Leonard Herringa of Waupun; her sister-in-laws, Debra (Eugene) Uttech of Rhinelander, Mary (Frank) Lamberson of Waupun and Sherry Herringa of Waupun; and her brother-in-law, Dan Herringa of Waupun. Mary is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; a brother in infancy; her mother-in-law, Phyllis Herringa; three brother-in-laws, Ed, Phillip and Terry Herringa; and other relatives.

A Memorial Service for Mary will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam with Rev. Mark Jensen officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the service beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the Dodge County Humane Society, PAVE, or Dodge County Friends of Animals.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.