Mary Ann Kies, age 83, a current resident of Shell Lake, and formerly of Spooner, died on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at her home with family.

Born to Charles William Meglic and Ann Katherine Misko on December 17, 1938, in the quiet little village of Draper, WI, Mary Ann came into her life on a small family homestead.

Growing up in the depression era, she learned gardening, which turned into something she enjoyed throughout her life. She often walked through her gardens naming all her plants one-by-one and less enthusiastically engaged in the unending weed competition. Her favorite flower was the hydrangea by far. She even gardened into her last days, cultivating flowers and vegetables in her “Hillbilly” garden to satisfy her desire to nurture the plants and her tastebuds.

Mary Ann started her formal education in her local grade school and continued to high school in Winter, WI, graduating in 1956. She knew from early on that she wanted a career working with hair and finished cosmetology school in Duluth, becoming licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. She successfully ran her own shop in Spooner for 21 years, after initially working for others.

Dancing was another of her passions. Dancing brought her husband, Frank (Buzz) Kies, a marine she met and married in 1960, together. Dancing also kept their marriage strong. They enjoyed the usual waltzes and polkas, but were also avid square dancers, which led them numerous dance weekends and meaningful, lasting friendships.

Marrying Buzz led to moving often to follow his forestry career. After Buzz learned he would rather practice forestry on flatter, Wisconsin land than the Utah mountains, (though he didn’t miss the mosquitos), they returned to their home state for a lifelong career with the DNR. Still, they lived in various areas (Chippewa Falls, Tomahawk, Solon Springs, Iron River, Lake Nabagamon), in WI before settling in Spooner, WI for 40 plus years.

Mary Ann, survived her husband Frank by 25 years and didn’t slow down much. She traded dancing for downhill skiing and traveling, seeing many slopes with the Red Eye Ski Club, traveling the world, and jaunting around the country on shorter mystery trips with friends. Her most memorable time was spent in the holy land.

On October 2nd, Mary Ann decided make her final vacation with Jesus. She is survived by her two children, Scott and Kim Kies, Tasha and all the “grandpets.” Mary Ann would also include all her friends she thought of as family, family members, and especially the younger generation she cherished as “her grandchildren.”

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 11am, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Spooner with Fr. Phil Juza as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 10-11am at the Church on Saturday. Interment will follow at the St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winter, WI, next to her husband.

Last Update: Oct 04, 2022 5:34 pm CDT