Mary Ann Kascht

Mary Ann Kascht, of Waukesha, died Saturday, August 27, 2016 with her family by her side at her home at Avalon Square in Waukesha. She was born on July 27, 1927 the daughter of Norbert and Rose (nee: Schneider) Remmel. On September 22, 1951 she married Robert Kascht. He preceded her in death in 2009. Mary was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, and a member of Waukesha Service Club. She belonged to Beacon Lights and Friends of Retzer Nature Center. She was proud to be a Registered Nurse and volunteered in the health room at St. Mary’s Catholic School.

During the 1930’s Mary’s family owned and managed Hartford’s famous Schwartz Ballroom, an important performance venue for the legendary big bands. As a young girl Mary got to meet the likes of Paul Whiteman, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington, beginning her lifelong love of big band music.

Mary was a person of uncommon tender-heartedness and grace.

She will be greatly missed by her children Larry (Jackie) Kascht of Waukesha, Steve (Tena) Kascht of Centennial, CO, Dr. Mary Beth (Mike) Charland of Woodbury, MN and John (Dolores Motichka) of Honesdale, PA. Mary had five grandchildren: Jennifer (David) Haukeness, Joe (Christina) Charland, Erin (Patrick) Mahan, Laurel Kascht, and Heather Kascht. She was the proud great-grandmother to Parker Haukeness and Lucas Charland. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to her husband and her parents she was preceded in death by her sister Carlene Siever. Mary’s family thanks the staff at the Avalon for their loving care.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 31 from 10:00 am until the funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2400 W. State Hwy 59, Waukesha 53189. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials in Mary’s name may be directed to Avalon Square 222 Park Place Waukesha, WI 53186 or The Friends of Retzer Nature Center, W284 S1530 Hwy DT, Waukesha 53189.