Mary E. (Gerrits) (Derks) Klister, 84, passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, after a courageous struggle following surgery. Mary was born on July 21, 1937, to the late Edward and Elizabeth (Fritsch) Gerrits. She attended St. Patrick's Catholic School in Askeaton, WI and Wrightstown High School. On September 12, 1955, she married Gene M. Derks at St. Patrick's Church in Askeaton, WI. He preceded her in death on January 23, 1971. After Gene's death, Mary raised their four children and is very proud of the wonderful people they have become. Robert was ordained a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and is now a Deacon in the Slinger area; Terry is a Physician Assistant at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee; Renee is a teacher and Laurie is a Special Education paraprofessional in the West Bend School District. On April 25, 1998, she married Floyd Klister at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Green Bay. Msgr. Roy Klister, who is Floyd's brother, conducted the wedding service. Mary was proud to watch all her children graduate from college and get married, along with her nine wonderful grandchildren. She is a longtime cancer survivor, having won the battle in 1978. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and help. Mary was employed by Shopko for over 20 years. In addition, she worked at Vern's Flowers & Gifts for many years, as well as Kraft Foods in Chicago, IL. She was a lifelong Packers fan who enjoyed playing cards, photography, gardening, flowers and giving gifts. Mary and Floyd traveled all over the U.S., spending time each winter at their home in Val Vista Village in Mesa, AZ. When spending their winters in AZ, she made many wonderful friends from all over the U.S. and Canada. A highlight to Mary's travels was her trip to Rome in 2008 where she had lunch with Pope Benedict – a thrill of a lifetime. Mary was a member of the Red Hats Society "Hats across the Border" in Mesa, AZ, and "Going Rogue" Red Hats in Green Bay. Twilight 12 Homemakers, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Green Bay and Christ the King Parish in Mesa, AZ. Mary is survived by her husband, Floyd Klister; children: Robert (Jody) Derks, Terry (Kim) Derks, Laurie (Mark) Witte and Renee (Ralph) Wilberg. Stepchildren: Todd (Jackie) Klister, Mark (Joan) Klister, Jeff Klister, Paula (Ken) Boylan. Grandchildren: Nathan (Liz) Derks, Erika (Brian) Trymbiski, Jessica Derks, Hillary (Greg) Selner, Benjamin Derks, Garrett and Ella Witte, Rachel and Riley Wilberg. Great-grandchildren: Matthew, Adam, Isaiah Derks, Jonah Derks, Babies Selner and Derks. Brother: Dan (Sharon) Gerrits, sister-in-law, Ione Gerrits, brothers-in-law Paul (Betty) Klister and Gary (Myrna) Ebert. Godchildren Kayle Wahleithner, Mike Gerrits and Joline Moline. In addition to her parents, and first husband, Mary is preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Jean Derks, her brothers Budd Gerrits, Gary Gerrits, sister-in-law Edith (Roeser) Jarowski, brother-in-law Msgr. Roy M. Klister and her best friend, Marilyn Gokey. Family and friends may gather on Tuesday, January 4th, at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish 2771 Oakwood Drive, Green Bay, WI 54304. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am to 2:00pm Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 2:00pm. Masks are recommended. Private burial in Fort Howard Memorial Park, Holy Cross Section. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.RyanFH.com Floyd and the family would like to thank Rennes Health & Rehab Center, De Pere and Unity Hospice. Especially, Tammy, RN and all the "300 Wing" Staff for their kindness and compassionate care. We also would like to thank Father Jim Baraniak for visiting and blessing her during her illness. We will be eternally grateful for Sister Marla for her incredible comfort, guidance, and planning throughout this difficult journey. I want to thank my husband, Floyd, for standing by me through our Golden Years together. I would like to thank my parents, family, friends and all the priests at Premontre (Notre Dame) High School. I want to thank my family for the unconditional love, every hug, kiss and smile they put on my face. I could not have done it alone – just want to say thank you and I love you! I'm not saying goodbye, just that I'll see you again! Love you all so much! Love, Mom …… Mary