Mary Ann Claerbaut

Mary Ann (Smies) Claerbaut, of Oostburg, passed away Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Countryside Manor in Sheboygan. She was 82 years old.

Mary Ann was born March 5, 1939 to Jannes and Elvira (Bruggink) Smies. She graduated from Oostburg High School in 1956 and went on to work at Citizen’s Bank of Sheboygan from 1956-1971.

On October 8, 1965 she was united in marriage with Richard Claerbaut. The couple worked together on the family farm, and Mary Ann proudly raised their daughter, Cheryl.

Mary Ann was a member of Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Oostburg where she taught Sunday School, was the Assistant Superintendent of the Primary Department, and played organ for 30 years. She was also active in the Oostburg Christian School Circle, especially with catering. She enjoyed reading, counted cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, doing 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, watching high school sports and was an avid Brewers and Badgers fan.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughter Cheryl (Jamie) Leonard and three granddaughters: Rachel (Andrew) Reader, Rylee Ann Leonard and Reese June Leonard. She is further survived by siblings: LeRoy Smies and Janet (Frank) Wahlstrom; siblings-in-law Jack DeTroye, Lois Claerbaut and Myrle (Karen) Claerbaut; other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Richard, parents, parents-in-law, infant brother, sister Elizabeth DeTroye, sister-in-law Dorrine Smies, brother-in-law Dale Claerbaut and nephew Mark Claerbaut.

Funeral Services celebrating Mary Ann’s life will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Wenig Funeral Home, 108 Center Ave. in Oostburg. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11:00am-1:00pm. She will be laid to rest at Oostburg Cemetery beside Richard.

Memorial contributions in her name can be made to Oostburg Christian School.

Family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff of Countryside Manor and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. A special thank you to Dr. Matthews and all the staff at Matthews Oncology as well as Dr. Mary Gentine for their compassionate and loving care.

For online condolences and more information, please visit www.wenigfh.com. Wenig Funeral Home – Oostburg is assisting the family with arrangements.