Mary Haarmann

Following over a decade of treatment, Mary Beth Haarmann of Waukesha, Wisconsin is now cancer free, resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mary was born to William John and Delores Marie (née Johnson) Brandl on September 5, 1957 in Duluth, Minnesota. Mary graduated from Case High School (Racine, WI) with the class of 1974. Having begun playing the violin at eight years of age, she continued learning and performing for six decades.

Mary received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Purdue University with highest distinction in 1979. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and became a registered pharmacist in Indiana at age 21. There was no drug known to man that was not known to Mary. She had many pharmacy roles, her favorite amongst them was working with rural pharmacies and being an in-house pharmacist in a retirement community. During her metastatic breast cancer treatment course, doctors often required extra appointment time when meeting with Mary due to her inquisitive mind.

Mary married Bruce Donald Haarmann in Madison in 1983, honeymooning in Newfoundland and St. Pierre Miquelon. They enjoyed four decades of a loving marriage, so much so that Mary refused to die until the day of their 42nd wedding anniversary and holding Bruce’s hand. Bruce and Mary welcomed their son David in 1988 who was the light of their lives. Bruce and Mary raised him in Wausau, WI, later moving to Madison, and retiring in Waukesha, WI. In all these communities, Mary played violin, attended local churches, and made many friends. Bruce and Mary enjoyed traveling throughout the Americas and abroad, taking many photographs and enjoying local cuisine.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Mary served on the board of Milwaukee’s Finnish American Society with sisu (gusto!). She performed for decades with the Central Wisconsin Symphony and the Wisconsin Philharmonic, in addition to community orchestras. She was also a longstanding member of the Waukesha Music Study Club since 2004. Apart from music, she enjoyed gardening, always able to call to mind the scientific name of any plant or flower.

Mary is survived by her father Bill, husband Bruce, son David & daughter-in-law Lydia DeJonge; younger siblings and their families: Joyce (Dan) Gitter, Carol (David) Topp, and Michael (Sona Hardikar). In her final days and hours, Mary’s siblings were able to come visit her to surround her with love.

A funeral will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin September 27, 2025, with visitation from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, and a service at 3:00 PM; all are invited.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Milwaukee Finnish American Society in memory of Mary would be appreciated.

Checks can be made out to the Finnish American Society of Milwaukee, c/o FAS Treasurer; 8545 W. Beloit Road, Apartment 1005, West Allis, WI 53227.

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