Mary Ann Schinzel

Mary Ann (Wengler) Schinzel, 86, of Kearney, Nebraska, formerly of Overton died November 30, 2025, at Broadwell Senior Living.

Born the youngest of six children on June 19, 1939, in Overton, Nebraska to William and Matilda (Bluel) Wengler, Mary Ann attended District 48 country school and graduated from Overton High School. She obtained a cosmetology license from Grand Island Beauty School. Mary Ann married Bernard Schinzel on September 3, 1962, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters: Cindy and Lisa.

The family lived in Lexington for a short while, before settling on a farm north of Overton for many years. Mary Ann loved being a supportive farm wife, making many trips for parts and delicious meals for Bernie and other farm workers. When not working hard to support farm work, she greatly enjoyed activities at Overton Public School. The pride and joy of her life was following her children’s and, later, grandchildren’s various school and extracurricular activities. She spent many hours volunteering at the local library and served on the Nebraska Library Commission for several years. Visiting with people and sharing the connections among people was a passion of hers. Mary Ann was well known for her jogging and long walks along the country roads of Overton and, later, 30th Avenue in Kearney after moving from the farm.

She was an inspiration to many with her determination and perseverance even as health issues forced her to decrease the number of miles she walked. After retiring from farming, Bernie and Mary Ann moved to Meadowlark Manor to be closer to medical services and family. Mary Ann enjoyed working crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, reading, and sending beautifully handwritten letters and cards to stay connected with people, bringing much joy to many with her interest in them and their lives. She always looked forward to exercises and meals at the Petersen Senior Center in Kearney. Eventually, Mary Ann moved to Broadwell Senior Living where she could be found in the physical therapy room riding the bike or the activities room participating in exercise programs.

Mary Ann was an active member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church for over 60 years where she served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Altar Society officer and member, and parish representative to the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Faith was an important part of her life, and she provided a loving example of living her values for her family. She spent many volunteer hours supporting community activities. She served as President of the Overton Alumni Association for many years.

Preceding her in death were her parents, William and Matilda; husband, Bernie; brothers, Leo, Ed, Bob, and Dean Wengler; Great-Grandson, Morgan Everett.

She is survived by her children: Cindy (Ron) Hald of Granby, Colorado; Lisa (Gary) Hibberd of Kearney, Nebraska. Grandchildren: Eric (Jen) Hald of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Seth (Sylvanna) Hald of Gypsum, Colorado; Megan (Lucas) Everett of Hays, Kansas; Hannah (Logan) Kizer Overton, Nebraska; Austin (Monica) Hibberd of Kearney, Nebraska; Haley (Colin) Murray of Kearney, Nebraska. Great-grandchildren: Scott Hald; Wren and Ayla Hald; Charlotte Everett; Laramie, Laikyn, and Lennon Kizer. Melanie and Carter Hibberd; sister, Sarah Clabaugh of McCook.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton, with Father Jose Chavez officiating. The service will be livestreamed via the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Graveside services will be held at St. Anns Catholic Cemetery in Lexington following Mass.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton with family receiving guests from 2-4 p.m. Rosary will follow at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are kindly suggested to: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Overton; Petersen Senior Center; Mount Carmel Home-Keens Memorial; and Broadwell Senior Living in Kearney.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com