Mary Ann Trussler

Mary Ann Trussler, age 86, of Darien, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 1, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Mary Ann was the daughter of the late Stanley and Helen (Barszcz) Cnota. She built a successful career as an IT Accounting Specialist with Mesirow Financial, where she worked until her retirement—although anyone who knew Mary Ann understood that retirement certainly did not mean sitting still.

As a teenager, Mary Ann helped run her family’s store in Chicago, often with her goddaughter perched on her hip. Long before “multitasking” became a popular term, Mary Ann had already mastered it—helping customers, looking after family, and keeping everything moving with her capable hands and generous heart.

Mary Ann’s love extended well beyond her immediate family. She always welcomed her children’s wayward friends, offering them an open door, a safe place, and a sense that they belonged. Her home had room for everyone, and her heart somehow had even more.

Mary Ann lived with a generous heart, a warm personality, and a wonderful appreciation for the beauty—and occasional humor—found in everyday life. She was happiest outdoors, tending to her garden and keeping a watchful eye on her beloved trees. Those trees were well cared for, whether they realized they needed her supervision or not.

An enthusiastic card player, Mary Ann enjoyed gathering with friends for games at Culver’s, the library, and other favorite meeting places. She loved the cards, but the conversation, laughter, and companionship were every bit as important—though winning certainly never hurt. She also enjoyed quilting with others, creating beautiful pieces while sharing stories and friendship.

Fishing and hunting held a special place in Mary Ann’s heart, particularly when she could enjoy them with her son, Jim. For Mary Ann, a successful hunt did not require bringing anything home. If she spent the day outdoors and saw animals along the way, she was perfectly happy—and the animals were probably pretty pleased with that arrangement, too.

Mary Ann’s love for animals and nature was boundless. She treasured the companionship of the many dogs she loved throughout her life, all of whom undoubtedly knew exactly where to go for affection, attention, and perhaps an extra treat.

Mary Ann also loved to travel. Colorado was especially dear to her because of its breathtaking scenery and majestic mountains. Colorado held a special place in Mary Ann’s heart, especially her cabin, where watching hummingbirds and moose brought her tremendous joy. Whether the visitor was tiny enough to hover at a feeder or large enough to take over the view, Mary Ann delighted in them all. She cherished the time she spent at Dziadzia’s farm, but above all else, her greatest joy came from being with her family and her dogs. She had a way of finding beauty wherever she went, whether she was admiring a mountain, tending a tree, spotting an animal in the woods, or simply enjoying a lively card game.

Her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and warm spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. The gardens may grow a little wilder, the card tables may be a little quieter, and the dogs may wait a little longer for their treats, but Mary Ann’s love will remain firmly planted in the hearts of her family and friends.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Helen Clements and Jim (Jenny) Trussler; her brother, Fritz Cnota; her grandchildren, Clarissa (Zach) Workman, Logan (Emily) Clements, Chloe (Jake) Hartmann, Levi Clements, Cheri (Alex) Drohner, Rebekah (Lauren Ramsay) Trussler, Stephen Trussler, Garrett (Beth) Miles, Brianna (Shane) Stark, and Michael Pope; and her great-grandchildren, Greyson Clements, Warner, Jula, and May Hartmann, Maddie, Casey, Damien and Viv Drohner, and Brinley and Myron Miles.

She is further survived by Wade Clements; Cindy Trussler; and many beloved extended family members and friends; and her faithful dog, Daisy.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Helen Cnota; her brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Virgie Cnota; her sister-in-law, Lottie Cnota; her sister, Irene Cnota; and her beloved dogs, Juneau, Ollie, and Tipper—who, the family likes to imagine, were eagerly waiting to greet her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Lakeland Animal Shelter, reflecting Mary Ann’s lifelong love of animals and her generous spirit. Donations may be made online at https://lakelandanimalshelter.org/donate/ or mailed to Lakeland Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1000, Elkhorn, WI 53121.

A funeral service honoring Mary Ann’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory, 730 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. A dinner will follow at a nearby location to be announced.

Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Elkhorn is honored to serve the Trussler family. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.