Mary E. Danto, age 80, passed away Monday morning, Aug. 3, 2026, just a day after her 80th birthday with her family by her side. She was born Aug. 2, 1946, in Whitewater, WI, to Raymond and Elizabeth (Christen) Koszyczarek. She graduated from Whitewater High School. On August 25, 1973, Mary married Phillip ‘Phill’ Danto at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater, WI.
After high school, Mary went to Madison business college with a degree in general clerical. After graduating, she worked for Mayland Publishing and Printing. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Phill. The pair were happily married for 48 years until his passing on Dec. 1, 2021.
Mary also loved sports, bowling in many leagues throughout the years. She also passionately watched her beloved Brewers and Packers. She also enjoyed drawing and coloring. She was an animal lover, especially the many dogs and cats the household had throughout the years.
Mary raised 3 children and during this time began helping other families with childcare at her home, nurturing multiple generations of kids and families. Once retired, Mary cared for her granddaughters Jenika and Madisyn. As a grandmother, Mary gave the greatest gift she could give – her time, her patience, and her unconditional love.
Mary was a loving wife, nurturing mother, a devoted grandmother, a loyal friend, and the heart of her family.
Mary is survived by her son Jerome (Gloria Wellnitz) Danto and their children Michael Wellnitz, Alicia Contreras, and Jenika Danto, and her daughter Carolyne (Darin) Ball and their children: Dylan, Brandyn, Makenzee, and Madisyn Ball; great- grandchildren: Kari Reyes and Liam Ball, Grayson Ball, and Aria Reyes; brother Robert (Linda) Koszyczarek; sister-in-law Sandra Koszyczarek; brother-in-law Daniel (Debbie) Danto; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Phill Danto; son Troy Danto; brothers Francis Koszyczarek and Edward Koszyczarek; father and mother-in-law Caspar and Petronella Danto; brother-in-law Peter Danto; great-grandchild Khyrie Reyes.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH with Fr. Chad Droessler presiding. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME and again on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to time of Mass at CHURCH. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville. Memorials are appreciated in memory of her son Troy to American Cancer Society or you can donate blood at your local blood bank. Please visit www.apfelwolfe.com to send condolences to the family.
A special thank you to Gloria Wellnitz and Sherry Tyler for all the wonderful care given to Mary these last few years. Also, to the entire staff of Mercy ICU, your compassion helped not only Mary but her children throughout the time there.
