Mary Joann Ongna

Mary Joann Ongna, 78, of Gibbsville, went to her Eternal Home on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. 

Mary was born on December 4, 1946, to Howard and Marjorie (Jensema) VerGowe in Sheboygan. She graduated from Oostburg High School in 1965. 

Mary was united in marriage to Philip Ongna on April 22, 1966, in Gibbsville. Mary worked alongside her husband, owning and operating Ongna Wood Products for many years. 

Mary was a member of Gibbsville Reformed Church, serving as Sunday school teacher, organist, youth leader, men’s chorus director, and Bible study leader. She enjoyed flower gardening, reading, feeding birds, and motorcycle rides with Phil. Mary took pictures of her beautiful flowers and sent them as get well and birthday cards to others. She volunteered at Pine Haven playing piano and transporting residents and played organ at Trinity Fellowship Church in Waldo. 

One of Mary’s favorite trips was to Glacier National Park for her and Phil’s 2nd honeymoon at 40 years. Also, on their 50th wedding anniversary, they went on a Disney Cruise with all their children and grandchildren. Mary loved family trips and gatherings.

Mary is survived by her husband, Phil; children, Colette (Steve) Voskuil of Hershey, PA, Jeff (Kelly) Ongna of Hewitt, WI, Shelly (Dan) Kolste of Oostburg; grandchildren, Jordan (Becky) Voskuil, Nick (Emily) Voskuil, Ryan Voskuil, Ashlyn (Levi) DuMez, Isabel Kolste, Abigail Ongna, Aaron Ongna, Derek Ongna; great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Caroline Voskuil. She is further survived by her brother, Ivan (Angie) VerGowe; brothers-in-law, Rich (Dianne) Ongna, Dan (Peggy) Ongna, Scott (Bonnie) Ongna; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Marjorie VerGowe and parents-in-law, Harvey and Alvera Ongna.

A funeral service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at Gibbsville Church on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 10:30am. She will be laid to rest at Hingham Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Tuesday, at Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg from 4:00-7:00pm and again at church on Wednesday, from 9:30-10:30am.

Memorials are appreciated in Mary’s name to Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic or Gibbsville Church.

Mary’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic, especially Beth (apple pie’s a la mode).