Mary Jane Grenzow died Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Monroe Hospice Home.
Mary Jane was born Jan. 11, 1966 in Paris, Illinois to David and Elizabeth Bestor. Soon after the family moved to Madison. She graduated from Madison West High School in 1984 and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in journalism in 1990.
She started her career as a reporter for the newspapers at Minoqua, then Beaver Dam. In 1992, Mary Jane moved to Monroe to work at the Monroe Times, beginning as news editor and working her way up to editor. She left the Times to work at Channel 3000 and as a freelance writer. Her most recent job was as copywriter at Colony Brands.
Mary Jane was also involved in numerous volunteer activities in Monroe, including the Green County Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Monroe Library. She also served as a member of the Monroe City Council the past several years.
She married John Grenzow at Juda Zion Community Church in 1999. Mary Jane’s family meant everything to her and her three daughters were her pride and joy. They especially enjoyed taking family vacations and summer days at the lake. Mary Jane’s pet dogs and cats also brought her tremendous joy, as did reading, crafting, and watching documentaries.
She is survived by her husband, John of Monroe; daughters, Elizabeth, Sally, and Christina (Nina), all of Monroe; stepsons, Ryan Grenzow of Seattle, Washington, and Dan Benkert of Monroe, and their children; a sister, Susan (Patrick) Stewart of Rockford, Illinois, and their children, Katy and Ben; nephew and niece, Andy Bestor and Shelbie Mulholland, both of Texas; and in-laws, Georgia, Kevin, and Karen, all of Monroe.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Lindsey and J Andrew.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Monroe United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeff Meyer officiating.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.
Mary Jane lived with a rare and aggressive form of uterine cancer the last three years of her life. In lieu of flowers, Mary Jane would appreciate donations to the National Leiomyosarcome Foundation. She is grateful for the care and support she received from all the staff at Monroe Hospital, especially Dr. Huie and the other members of the oncology staff. She also appreciated the care she received at New Glarus Home and Monroe Hospice Home.
