Mary Ann (Gusewelle) Auer

Mary Ann Auer is not just lost on another adventure; she is Home. Heaven gained a fantastic, loyal, and passionate wife and mother on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Mary Ann was born on May 28, 1956, at Highland Hospital, in Highland, IL, to Gilbert O. and Vera E. (Meikamp) Gusewelle.

A musician, mountaineer, and former member of the ISU Women's Rugby team, she loved a challenge. Mary Ann excelled academically and graduated with a Master's in Education from Illinois State University. She was working as a daycare teacher when she met Douglas Auer, the love of her life. They married on May 12, 1984, at Comlara Park, McLean County, IL, where she was the campground manager.

She dedicated her life to her family and homeschooled all her children, passing on by example her faith in God, love of the outdoors, and problem-solving abilities. Over her lifetime she was a 4-H leader, a Shooting Sports instructor, a lifeguard, an active member of her church and choir, a Sunday School teacher, and an avid reader of murder mysteries. In recent years she enjoyed being a substitute teacher and librarian at Riverview Elementary School, Spring Bay, IL. She was an amazing woman who did things her own way.

Surviving is her husband of thirty-eight years, Douglas B. Auer of Metamora; eight children, Jade, David (Ashley), Johanna, Elizabeth, Sarah, Daniel, Mary Beth (Isaiah) Zerbst, and Andrew; granddaughter, Katherine Auer; and sister Ruth (Ralph) Newby. She was met in heaven by her parents, sister Carol Raymond, and brother William Gusewelle.

Funeral Services will be held at noon on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Mt. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church with Reverend Barry Long officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until noon, also at the church. Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria. Dinner will be served at 2:00 pm, at the church, after the burial. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations be made to Mt. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 908 West Hanssler Place, Peoria, IL 61604. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Mt. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church
908 West Hanssler Place, Peoria IL 61604