MaryJane Fechter

Mrs. MaryJane Fechter of Random Lake passed away at Aurora Zilber Hospice in Wauwatosa on Wednesday evening, March 25, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family. She was 94 years old.

  MaryJane was born on Aug. 26, 1931, to Andrew and Mary (nee Lieder) Schmitz.  She grew up in Dacada and attended local schools, graduating from Port Washington High School with the Class of 1949.

  On March 31, 1951, MaryJane was united in marriage with Leo Fechter at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Dacada. 

The couple farmed in the Town of Grafton before moving to the home farm in 1958.  They were blessed with 11 children who kept life interesting. They farmed together for many years, always making the best of any situation. 

In their later years, the couple enjoyed traveling and went on trips, including to  Hawaii, Ireland, Alaska, California, Florida and Arizona. 

Leo preceded MaryJane in death in 2000.

  Mrs. Fechter was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Lakes, St. Mary Chapel, in Random Lake and a member of the Christian Mothers group at St. Nicholas, Dacada. 

She enjoyed playing cards, especially sheepshead, as well as slots and bingo. She loved being outside, often tending her flower beds, but also liked watching old movies and Hallmark films, as well as holiday shows at the Fireside or Memories with friends. In recent years, she spent time doing diamond art and puzzles. 

MaryJane had a knack for cooking and baking, and her family will miss favorites such as homemade doughnuts, noodles, dumplings and her special Rice Krispie bars. 

She loved her family above all else, and cherished her role as grandma. Time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was always the best!

  Survivors include her children Anthony (Doris) Fechter of Random Lake, Mary Lou (Kenneth) Dommer of Grafton, Thomas Fechter of Random Lake, Margie (Kenneth) Strack of Adell, William Fechter of Random Lake, Sandra (Joseph) Thill of Belgium, Gerald Fechter of Random Lake, Jean (Timothy) Morrison of Adell and Steve (Kelly) Fechter of Fredonia and daughter-in-law Sara (the late Leo Fechter Jr.) of Fredonia. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren (and one expected in May) and eight great-great-grandchildren. 

MaryJane is further survived by sisters-in-law Clara (the late Leroy) Neu, Dorothy (the late James) Griesmer and Martha (the late Richard) Fechter, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. 

  MaryJane was preceded in death by her husband Leo Sr., their daughter Elizabeth, their son Leo Jr., grandsons Matthew Strack and Timmy Morrison Jr., siblings and their spouses Willy (Loretta) Weyker, Sylvester (Eleanor) Weyker, Alfred (Bernadine) Schimitz, Harold (Lavina) Ney, Roman (Adeline) Schmitz, Marvin (Jeanette) Schmitz, Henry (Carol) Schmitz, Ray (Vernita) Sinnen and Father William Schmitz, as well as brothers and sisters-in-law Raymond (Arlene) Fechter, Martha (George) Meyer, Ralph (Irene) Fechter, August (Sylvia) Fechter and Barbara Fechter.

  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at noon Monday, April 13, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lakes, St. Mary Chapel, 230 Butler St., Random Lake. Father Donald Thimm will preside and Father  James Weyker will concelebrate the Mass.  

MaryJane will be laid to rest beside her husband in St. Mary Cemetery, Random Lake, immediately following the service.  

The family will receive guests on Sunday, April 12, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave., Belgium, Wis., from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at the church on Monday, April 13, from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

  The family wishes to thank the Random Lake Rescue Squad, Aurora Medical Center, Grafton, and Aurora Zilber Hospice in Wauwatosa for all of their care and assistance. 

  If desired, memorials are suggested to the Random Lake Rescue Squad in her name.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family. 

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