Mary J. Gahlman

MOUNT PLEASANT – Mary J. Gahlman, 57, died at her residence with her husband by her side. Her 15-year battle with cancer ended on June 12, 2009.

Mary was born in Hartford, WI, on August 20, 1951, to Raymond and Terese (nee: Kennedy) Becker. On September 2, 1972, she married the love of her life, Carl Gahlman. They moved to Sturtevant in 1973 and settled in Racine in 1988.

Mary was a member and enjoyed attending mass at St. Lucy Catholic Church. She also treasured her time spent with her dear friends and the “Birthday Club.” However, Mary was happiest when in the surroundings of her family.

In addition to her devoted husband, Carl, Mary is survived by her mother, Terese Becker of Hartford; brothers and sisters, Richard (Kay) Becker of Hartford, Robert (Maureen) Becker of Janesville, Theresa (Richard) Merkel of St. Charles, IL., Bonnie (Thomas) Callen of Wauwatosa, Paul (Sarah) Becker of Kansas City, MO; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dean Gahlman of Hartford, Mary Joan (Milton) Fuiten of Green Bay, Gerald (Patricia) Gahlman, Carol (James) Nyswonger both of Hartford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who meant so much to Mary. Her father, Raymond Becker; and niece, Therese Nelsen, preceded Mary in death.

Her life and mass will be celebrated at St. Lucy Catholic Church (3101 Drexel Ave.) on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Leonard Copeland officiating. There will be a visitation in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday evening from 5-8 p.m. and in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. A cremation will follow the mass and a private interment will take place at a later date in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. Memorials in Mary’s name have been suggested to either Relay for Life or St. Lucy Catholic Church.

I would like to thank Dr. Ajit Divgi of Milwaukee and his nursing staff (especially, Judy) as well as Vitas Hospice for the loving care they provided. I also wish to thank Carla Kovacs for her friendship and nursing skills. And to the many family and friends who were there for us during Mary’s illness. May God bless all of you. Sincerely, Carl

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home
4600 County Line Road, Racine (262) 552-9000