Mary Ellen Biever

Mary Ellen Biever (nee Schwenner) passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at the age of 82. 

She was born on May 23, 1943, the youngest of seven children to John and Amanda Schwenner (Paulin) and raised in Grafton, Wis.  

She attended St. Joseph Catholic school and graduated from Grafton High School with the Class of 1961.  

On July 13, 1968, Mary was united in holy matrimony to Gerald Biever and celebrated 57 years of marriage with him. They were blessed with five children, daughters Ellen, Julie, Jenny and Tammy and son Jeremy.

Before children, Mary worked for Grafton Savings and Loan and enjoyed being part of a bowling league. 

She was a devoted wife and mother who took care of the household but found time to pursue her interests. She was interested in genealogy and maintained an extensive family tree showing how everyone was related.  Mary enjoyed dining out with friends and family and an occasional trip to a casino. She also loved listening to music and was an avid Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond fan.  

Her grandchildren were some of her greatest joys. She loved to spend time with them and eagerly anticipated their visits and family holidays. 

Some of her other hobbies included assembling puzzles, flower gardening, canning numerous types of produce during the summer and baking many different Christmas cookies, which she was famous for starting in August each year.  Mary also enjoyed annual trips to Tomahawk most summers as the kids were growing up, and in the later years she travelled to Las Vegas, Branson, Nashville, Florida and Ireland. 

Mary was a member of Divine Savior Catholic Parish, Holy Cross Chapel, and a devout Catholic.

Mary is survived by her husband Gerald, daughters Ellen Biever (Tom Galioto), Julie Biever (Heath Rausch), Jenny (Eric) Bertelsen, Tammy (David) Mead and son Jeremy (Danielle) Biever. She is further survived by seven grandchildren, Lindsey Mead, Kyle Bertelsen, Mara Bertelsen, Jameson Biever, Cohen Biever, Tinley Biever and Berkley Biever and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at Divine Savior Parish, Holy Cross Chapel, 5330 County Rd. B, Belgium, WI 53004)Father Don Thimm will preside. The family will greet guests from 9:30 a.m. until the Mass at 11:30 a.m. 

Mary will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Grafton. 

The family wishes to express a thank you to the staff of Vitas for their care and support.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.