Mary Ann (Kester) Erb died peacefully on September 27, 2024 at Woodland Hill in Hudson, Wi. 

Mary Ann was born in Minneapolis, MN on August 11,1939 to Lloyd and Mary (Tomczyk) Kester. After living in
Bemidji, MN and Prescott, WI Mary Ann’s family moved to Hudson in 1950 where she attended Hudson
schools, graduating from Hudson High School in 1956. 

It was during high school that Mary Ann found the love of her life, Harry “Bill” Erb and they have been
inseparable ever since, marrying at St. Patrick’s Rectory in Hudson on April 25, 1959. They recently celebrated
their 65th anniversary.

The couple had three daughters, Colleen, Natalie and Paula, who were at the center of their parents’ lives.
While raising her daughters was her first priority, Mary Ann also held jobs throughout her life, the longest being
as bookkeeper at the Hudson Star Observer where she was hired by longtime editor and publisher Willis Miller.
Miller held Mary Ann in high esteem, not only for her professionalism but also her commitment and loyalty to
the newspaper. 

After leaving the Star Observer in 2001, Mary Ann joined Harry in retirement, spending time with their children
and grandchildren and many friends, doing some traveling and enjoying their home on Mallalieu Drive, where
they enjoyed what many describe as the best lake view in Hudson. It was a view they lovingly shared with the
eagles who regularly nested in one of their trees.

Mary Ann was a distinctive personality known for her kindness and her wit. Once met, she was not forgotten.
She faced many medical issues throughout her life but that never hampered her unwavering determination to
live life well. She was the epitome of someone who stubbornly believed “laughter was the best medicine” and
she dosed all those around her on a regular basis. 

Mary Ann was famous for her themed family Christmas Eve gatherings, something different every year, the
couple’s creative annual holiday cards and being the best fan Elvis ever had. On the day the Elvis postage
stamp was unveiled, Mary Ann was waiting on the steps of the old Hudson downtown post office, draped in her
Elvis beach towel, to be the first to buy them. 

Mary Ann took great pride in her grandchildren and loved seeing her grandsons marry and begin families of
their own. Pictures of them along with the rest of the family and their many friends, all hung throughout the
Mallalieu Drive house and in their place in Woodland Hill. 

Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband, Harry, and her daughters, Colleen Lursen, Maple Grove MN,
Natalie (Jim) Thorson, Hudson, WI and Paula Erb, (Chuck Martin), Hudson, WI. Grandsons Ben Thorson
(Julia) Chaska, MN, Koby Lursen (Michelle) Maple Grove, MN, Tyler Lursen (Kate) Bloomington, MN and 5
great grandchildren; Jett, Josie, June, Owen and Tess. Also survived by sisters; Kathy Mayer from Esparto, CA
and Dorothy Cleveland (Bernie) form Woodbury, MN and sister-in- law, Vonnie St. Peter, West Bend, WI.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Mary Kester, sisters- in -law Shirley Sherley, Peg Vall, and
Sandy Bauguess, and son-in-law, Kent Lursen.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint Patrick’s Church in Hudson at 11AM on October 5th. There will
be a 2 hour visitation prior to the service from 9-11am.  Burial will be at Willow River Cemetery in Hudson.
Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimers Association(alz.org) or to the family to support the Woodland Hill
Specialty Care Unit in Hudson.

Special thanks to the staff at Woodland Hill Presbyterian Homes for their wonderful care and big hearts.
O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson is handling the arrangements.