Mary Ruth (Flattum)  Jackman, 92, died on Tuesday, March 05, 2013 at her residence in the Pine Ridge Community, Hudson, WI. , with her daughters and grandchildren with her at her death.    She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Kenneth Jackman in 2004.

    Mary was born in her parents’ First Street Hudson home on July 26, 1920, to Andrew and Gertrude (Christianson) Flattum , joining six siblings.  Mary would spend her entire life as a Hudson , WI resident, living also on 7th Street as well as in the historical house on 6th Street which she and LeRoy purchased in 1960.  In January, 2002, the couple moved into the CCH Pine Ridge complex where Mary lived until her death.

     Mary was baptized and confirmed in the Bethel Lutheran Church and remained a committed member throughout her life.  Her daughters remember their mother as imbued with a deep and abiding Christian faith.  This faith was most evident in her home, as she was devoted to not only her daughters, but also her two grandchildren.  Her genial disposition, friendly attitude and sympathetic spirit won the admiration and enduring friendship of those who knew her, including many lifelong friends.

     As a child, young woman and adult, Mary liked to be physically active and often related how she would skate and ski, swim in the St. Croix River, roller skate in Bayport and just have fun.  As a mother, she took a major role in the upbringing of not only her three daughters, but also provided the mother’s love and touch to her nieces, Mary and Maeta McKenzie while her sister, Helen, worked.  Girl Scout activities and lots of beach time are remembered.

       Mary married LeRoy Kenneth Jackman on Sept. 21, 1946, waiting for LeRoy’s return from active duty in World War II.  Three daughters were born to the couple, Marcia, Carla and Rhonda.  Both Mary and her husband retired in 1981, with Mary spending the last 15 years of her work career as secretary at Bethel Lutheran Church, Hudson.

       Mary spent more than 58 years in marriage to LeRoy and was also preceded in death by all six of her siblings—Lee, Alfred (Grace), Carl (Ruby) and Christ (Alvina) Flattum and sisters Gladys Flattum (Al) Stenberg and Helen (Alton) McKenzie.  Survivors include daughters Marcia (Bill) Edwards, Carla (Richard) Timmerman and Rhonda Jackman (Paul Buzicky), as well as grandchildren Andrew (Audrey) Martin and Jody (Kris) Connors.  Also surviving are nieces Lois (Richard) Knorr, Mary (Tom) Olkowski and Maeta (Mark) Gherty as well as their sons and daughters.  Three nephews also preceded Mary in death.

     Other survivors include step-grandsons Wesley and Alec Timmerman.  Surviving great grandchildren are Rebekah, Miciah Jackman, Rose and Caleb Connors, Brooke Mary and Autumn Martin, and Peyton, Avery and Donovan Timmerman.

     Mary’s daughters are most appreciative for the aid of Adoray Hospice Services during the final months of their mother’s life as well as the helpful and caring staff from CCH Pine Ridge.  Dr. Kristin Severson, Hudson Physicians, was a guiding light and inspiration in Mary’s last few years.

    A celebration of life for Mary will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, March 8, 2013 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in downtown Hudson.  A visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to services at the church as well as from 4 – 7 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Hudson chapel.  Memorials given will be donated to Bethel Lutheran Church, Adoray Hospice and Pine Ridge in Mary’s memory.