Obituary: Mary “Snooky” E. Fansler

Mary “Snooky” E. Fansler, age 84, resident of Brillion, passed away Monday evening, March 24, 2025, at St. Mary’s Home - Felician Village, Manitowoc, with her loving family by her side. 

Snooky was born February 23, 1941 in Granite City, IL., daughter of the late Van and Marjorie (Odum) Watkins. She was a graduate of Granite City High School and went on to attend Southern Illinois University where she met the love of her life, Carl. On May 14, 1960, she married Carl Fansler at Bethel Ev. Free Church in Granite City.  This May they would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.  

Snooky was employed as a librarian at the Brillion Public Library for 35 years and absolutely loved her Children’s Story Hour time. She was a long-time member of Bethel Ev. Free Church in Granite City, IL., and Faith Ev. Free Church and Trinity Alliance Church, both in Manitowoc, WI.  She was a Sunday School teacher for 45 years. She also dedicated her life to Vacation Bible School and the Awana Youth Ministry where she touched so many young lives.  One of Snooky’s passions was sharing the true meaning of Christmas with others.  Snooky and Carl were instrumental in preparing and presenting the Wonder of Christmas display for many years.  In her giving spirit, she also dedicated her time to the Samaritan Purse Operation where she shipped shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts to children in need around the world.   

A devoted mother, Snooky found her greatest joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She was present and involved in every aspect of their lives, whether it be attending a track meet, a school concert, a cheerleading event, or helping study for a big test.   She loved unconditionally and took every opportunity to tell her children and grandchildren how proud she was of them and how much she truly loved them.  

Music was an integral part of Snooky and Carl’s life.  Some of their very favorite music destinations were Birch Creek Music Camp (where they beamed with pride watching their grandson Theo perform), Mile of Music, and Fireside Theater.  In her younger years, Snooky enjoyed arts and crafts, sewing, ceramics, and cross-stitching.  She was an avid reader. Snooky and Carl traveled extensively together over the years, taking long road trips, staying in bed and breakfasts, visiting local lighthouses and state capitol buildings.  Some of Snooky’s fondest memories are from her annual trips to Jonesborough, TN for the International Storytelling Convention.  She was blessed to experience 12 years of wonderful storytelling with her favorite travelmate by her side. 

Survivors include: Her husband, Carl Fansler, Brillion; their children: Christine Behnke-Fansler (significant other Bernie), Brillion; Carla (Randy “Al”) Burns, Brillion; Elaine (Nick) Fansler-Mazza, Waukesha; Dennis (Tammy) Fansler, Calmar, Alberta, Canada; eight grandchildren: Bobbie Sue, Christopher, Mikayla, Jessica, Van, Zoe, Theo and Hagan; three great grandchildren: Ivy, Terrell “TJ” and Mariena; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jeannie Fansler (late Warren), Paul Fansler (significant other Patty), Kay Welsh, Neil (Susan) Fansler. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. 

She was preceded in death by: Her parents; an infant son, Steven Van; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norbert and Margaret Fansler; one sister, Patricia “Babe” Miller; one brother-in-law, Warren Fansler; one nephew, Daniel “Danny” Ashby; and one niece, Michelle “Shelly” Ashby. 

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the Pielhop Funeral Home, Brillion. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Wayne Anderson. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pielhopfuneralhomes. 

The family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. 

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.pielhop.com. 

The Pielhop Funeral Homes of Brillion and Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at St. Mary’s Home – Felician Village and Homecare Health Services & Hospice for being so caring and compassionate to Snooky over the past year and a half.  She loved you all so much, and you did an amazing job.  There are no words to express our gratitude.