There is much more laughter in heaven with the arrival of Mary Bossert. Mary Regina Schoettelkotte Bossert passed away surrounded by family on the afternoon of October 28, 2023, at St. Andrews Health Campus (a mere 172 days after the passing of her beloved husband, Millard, to whom she was married for 61 years)
Mary was born February 29, 1936 – a Leap Year Baby – to John and Regina (Roehm) Schoettelkotte in Batesville, Indiana. Mary and her five siblings grew up in St. Peters, Franklin County, where her parents owned and operated a general store. After the sudden death of her father and her mother selling the store, they moved to Batesville when she was fifteen, to the home on South Street that she and Millard would eventually buy from Grandma and make it their own home for most of their married life. After graduating from Immaculate Conception Academy, Oldenburg, Mary worked for Weiler’s Meat Market of which she had many fond memories. At what was considered an old maid back in the day, she married Millard Bossert at the age of 26 on August 26, 1961, at St. Louis Church, Batesville. Their daughter Melinda followed in ’62, Michael, in ’63, and Mark in ’64 (all in less than two years). Mom would often joke that after Mark they finally figured out what they were doing wrong and got twin beds! But that was Mom, always ready with a joke and always bringing the fun with her!
When her children were in junior high, she returned to the working world with employment at Krekeler Insurance Agency (which would later become Tri-County Financial Planning) and then many years later working for Enneking Auto Body as their bookkeeper/receptionist.
Mary worked hard but always had a good time doing it. Wherever Mary was there was laughter and everyone having a good time, whether it was helping to make turtle soup for the St. Louis Festival, organizing many turkey dinners for the Knights of St. John, constantly volunteering at St. Louis School as a room mother, cafeteria helper, PTA, Cub Scout Leader, Girl Scout Leader, organizing the Stanley Product fundraiser for the Immaculata Club, or just lending a helping hand to whomever needed it. Mary never said no to whoever asked for help.
Mary was an excellent cook who will always be remembered for her fried chicken, roast beef, pies, coffee cakes, and cookies. She canned thousands of quarts of green beans, carrots, grape and tomato juice plus froze corn or whatever grew in abundance in her and Millard’s large immaculate garden. No weeds lived for very long in their garden or in her flower beds, which always perfectly tended and bursting with color. Her flower beds were her pride and joy. In the fall, wine making was always on the agenda, made from the grapes picked from the arbor behind their home.
Mary and Millard tried never to miss their kids’ and grandkids’ school functions and sporting events, always being very supportive in their sometimes wild and crazy endeavors. Some of Mary’s favorite times were spent sitting on the back deck with Millard, family, and friends sipping homemade wine or Manhattans. But most of all, Mary will be remembered for her ready smile and her constant laugh and always being the first one there whenever and wherever she was needed.
Mary is survived by her children and their spouses: Melinda and Larry Haunert, Waldron, Indiana; Michael and Jean Bossert, St. Peter’s, Indiana; Mark and Darlene Bossert, Lakeside Park, Kentucky. Her grandchildren: Christopher and Adrianne Haunert, Medical Lake, WA; Patrick Bossert, St. Peters, IN; Claire Bossert, Indianapolis; Laura Haunert, Indianapolis; and Maria Bossert, who is currently studying in Nepal. Mary is also survived by her one-month-old great-grandson, Pip Henry Haunert. Also surviving are her brother and his wife, Paul and Bertie Schoettelkotte, and her sister-in-law, Carolyn Kestler. She is predeceased by her husband, her parents, her siblings – John Schoettelkotte, Maurice Schoettelkotte, Viola Fullenkamp, and Dorothy Schoettelkotte.
Visitation is Friday, November 3rd, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 4th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church, with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating. The burial will follow in the church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oldenburg Academy or the Batesville Fire Department. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.