Mabel Ann Kwaterski
Mabel Ann Kwaterski, 90, passed away peacefully to eternal life on May 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born Mabel Ann Tretter in Milwaukee on Jan. 13, 1935, to Valentine and Florence Tretter, she deeply cherished her Italian heritage and family. This heritage undoubtedly refined her culinary skills, evidenced by family-favorite dishes like polenta, egg noodles and Canederli dumpling soup. In her teenage years, Mabel played the accordion. After high school, she worked as a secretary at LeRoi Company in Milwaukee, where she met Eugene "Gene" Kwaterski, a charming mechanic. Her father, Valentine, often affectionately referred to Gene as "that polako."
Mabel and Gene married on Aug. 6, 1955. Gene, enlisted in the U.S. Army, was stationed in Wurzburg, Germany. Mabel joined him there for 18 months, during which she gave birth to the first of their five children. The young family returned to Milwaukee for a few years before moving to Fish Creek, Wisconsin, where they successfully owned The Parkway tavern. This venture marked the beginning of many successful businesses they would own over the next 45 years.
Her most memorable years were spent in Three Lakes, where she and Gene owned Aero Marine from 1967 to 1978 in partnership with Gene's brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Arlene Kwaterski. Despite working seven days a week at the marina, Mabel was an incredibly loving mom and wife, maintaining a wide circle of friends. Christmas and Easter celebrations were particularly important to her, and she loved to use her 75-year-old Nesco to cook some of the best turkey and ham dinners. First Communions, Confirmations, birthdays, anniversaries — if there was an event, Mabel and her Nesco were there.
In 2016, Mabel lost the love of her life, Gene, after caring for him for 12 years following his stroke. She remained by his side until his final earthly moments, honoring their vows "for better or worse, in sickness or health."
In her final chapter, Mabel enjoyed newfound time to travel and visit with her daughters Ann, Teri and Michele, her son Jim, and her friends. As her own health concerns mounted, she began receiving care, which was not easy for her as she never wanted to be a burden. Her focus on seeing Jesus and Gene in Heaven became more defined, and her faith deepened with each step of her final journey.
Mabel will be deeply missed. Hers was a life well-lived. The "spicy" Italian is now enjoying the ultimate gift, and her family considers themselves lucky to have called her Mom.
Mabel was preceded in death by her parents, Valentine and Florence Tretter; and her husband, Gene.
She is survived by her children, Mike (Karla) Kwaterski of Three Lakes, Wisconsin, Ann (Jerry) Jakubowski of Wausau, Wisconsin, Jim (Mary) Kwaterski of Boise, Idaho, Teri (Jerry) Denman of Greenville, South Carolina; and Michele Kwaterski (Michelle Shimmin) of Mesquite, Nevada. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Three Lakes on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m., followed by a eulogy from 10:40 a.m. to 11 a.m. A short burial service will take place after Mass, with a luncheon to follow in the church basement. The church is handicapped accessible.
Funeral services are being handled by Gaffney-Busha in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Online condolences can be made at gaffney-busha.com.
The family extends their gratitude to the entire Aspirus medical team, Christian Servants and Milestone team for their dedicated care, with special thanks to Betty Rosenbaum and Carrie Zachow.
In memory of Mabel, please hug your loved ones and enjoy your favorite family recipe with your family. PAID OBITUARY
