Mary K. Eiting, Kaukauna, age 75, died from natural causes, at peace, on Monday, January 24, 2022.  She was born on October 4, 1946 to the late Bernard and Stella (Hoersch) Collins.  Mary wed her high school sweetheart, Kenneth C. Eiting at Holy Cross Parish on September 5, 1966.  He has been awaiting her in heaven since January 10, 2009.  Following Ken's death, she organized a semi-regular gathering of women, all from her High School Class of 1964, and anyone near to her, could see how much joy and life her time with these women provided her.

Mary loved nature and the outdoors, especially their time living in Three Lakes, WI. She had a special place in her heart for her four legged friends and many will remember her for the dog treats she sold at the Kaukauna Farmers Market.  Mary was deeply spiritual, kind-hearted, as well as strong willed and determined. She preferred to live simply and give freely. She was loyal, feisty, honest and unfailingly genuine. More than anything she loved to be surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered chatting for hours on her rotary phone, attached to the wall, with friends and family alike, but if you got the busy tone, you knew she was cherishing time with her sister and best friend, Doll.

Mary is survived by her children:  Kenneth Eiting, Appleton; Sharon Schroeder, Appleton; Robert (Jane) Eiting, Kaukauna; and Tracy (Greg) DeJong, Larsen; grandchildren:  Emily, Kendra, and Kaitlyn Schroeder; Nick and Zach Eiting; Tia, Lili, and Jayce DeJong; siblings:  Kathy "Doll" (Steve) Agg, Gene (Lin) Collins, and Ben (Lynne) Collins; and sisters-in-law:  Diane Collins and Karen Eiting.   She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Kenneth, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Greg Collins; father and mother-in-law, Urban and Lillian Eiting; brother-in-law, Ted Eiting; and sister-in-law, Margaret Eiting.

A private funeral will be held at O'Connell Funeral Home to celebrate her life and passion for Christ.  Mary will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a local animal shelter in her memory.