Mary Jo Kooiman, Wolff, Marquardt, born December 3, 1923 in Plankington, South Dakota died peacefully on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at her home in Prairie du Sac. She was born the eldest child and only daughter of Dirk and Alocoque (Kaney) Kooiman. Her four brothers, John, Robert, Paul and Gene (Cyril) Kooiman all preceded her in death. Her family moved from South Dakota when she was twelve years old and eventually settled in the Bear Valley area. It was here she met Francis Wolff; whom she married. They had 6 children; Mary, Auburn, Ca; Frank (Jeanne) Lake Havasu City, Az; John (Kathy), Madison; Robert, Necedah; Thomas (Vickie), Randolph; and Timothy (Mary), North Freedom. She has 18 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter in-law, Dianne Wolff and grandson Jacob Wolff. She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

While raising her family, she worked for many years at the Hoffman House Restaurant and later as a Unit Clerk for the University of Wisconsin Hospital, in Madison. She met her second husband, Ralph Marquardt, and they were married nearly 3 years before his death in 1991. Mary Jo lived an interesting life, always looking around the next corner for a new life change. She was known and admired for her youthful style, her appreciation of beautiful flowers, her love of nature, her devotion to her pets, and her love of a good cup of coffee.

There will be a memorial service at the Free Congregational Building of Sauk County, 301 Polk St., Sauk City, WI; on Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm with a celebration of her life at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to a charity of choice.