She was born on March 27, 1941, to George John Schoppa and Albina (Schmidt) Schoppa in Fayetteville, Texas. On July 28, 1967, she married William “Bill” H. Wilson, Jr. Bill and Mary Lee met while working together in Houston.

They eventually moved to Frelsburg where Mary Lee worked at Meith’s Meat Market and then for many years at Heinsohn’s Store. Mary Lee also worked as an in-home caregiver.

Upon retirement, Bill and Mary Lee worked together delivering cars for dealerships. They spent all of their time together until Bill died on December 12, 2024.

Mary Lee was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg. She also served as member of St. Ann Altar Society.

Mary Lee believed in taking care of both animals

■ WILSON, 13 and people. She enjoyed tending to her cattle. She loved bottle raising calves and spending time nurturing them. She also cherished her cats and treated them as part of her and Bill’s family.

Mary Lee maintained many friendships and made it her mission to check on neighbors in need. She nurtured her flower beds and her vegetable gardens with the same care.

Mary Lee was preceded in death by her husband William H. Wilson, Jr.; her parents George and Albina Schoppa; her brother George Schoppa, Jr.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, April 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. A rosary followed at 7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 23, at 2:00 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg with Fr. Bob Knippenberg officiating. Visitation at church was from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a rosary at 1:30 p.m.

The burial took place in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Frelsburg.

The pallbearers were Paul Michalsky, Robert Socha, DeWayne Dvorak, Leslie Heinsohn, Jim Kubicek and Mark Kubicek.

Memorials may be given to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Restoration Fund, 1031 Church Lane, New Ulm, 78950 or for Holy Masses.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.