Mary R. Vercauteren, 85, De Pere, died Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at a local nursing home surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 3, 1925 in Vermillion, SD a daughter of the late Leo and Josephine (Melancon) Richer. On October 27, 1947 she married Donald J. Vercauteren in Sioux City, Iowa and he preceded her in death September 13, 1990. Mary was a member of Nativity of Our Lord Church, and was a Minister and Trainer in the Steven Ministry for many years. She enjoyed being a foster grandmother for Encompass Childcare. She was a wonderful, generous mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was an avid Packer Fan who wore her Packer jersey every Sunday. Mary is survived by her children: David (Joanne), Donna Gruis, Dale (Jean), Douglas (Connie), Deanne (Randall) Anderson, and Dawn (Corey) Van Enkenvort; 15 grandchildren: Carrie and Daniel Vercauteren, Amy and Katie Vercauteren, Ryan and Amber Vercauteren, Barry, Bradley, and Brent Gruis, Kristina and Kayla Anderson, and Sarah, Melissa, and Cole Van Enkenvort; 18 great grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings: Betty Sampson, Anna Marie (Joseph) Gormally, and Marcella (Daniel) Ludwig. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband Don; children: Daniel and Darren; grandson Brian Gruis, son-in-law, Barron Gruis, siblings: Israel, Bernard, Raymond (Margaret), George, and Evelyn Hanson. Visitation for Mary will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Parish, corner of Oneida Street and Cormier Street, from 12:30 PM until 2:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 PM Saturday at the church with Fr. James Hablewitz, officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, De Pere. RYAN FUNERAL HOME of De Pere is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Vercauteren family. "Stay strong, stay true and stay faithful"