Mary Alice Hergert

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Our sweet and loving mother, Mary Alice Hergert, 97, of Lincoln, left us on March 27, 2025, after a life devoted to faith and family. Mary was born to Emil and Amanda Schmitz in St. Cloud, Wisconsin, on December 3, 1927.

Mary poured her heart into caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—nothing mattered more. We felt her love in every hug, kind word, and warm meal around the family dinner table. We will never forget the comfort of knowing she was always there for us after school, how she could heal a skinned knee with a hug, and how her steady nature guided our family through the years.

Her grandchildren will always remember the joy of summers spent in her pool, the thrill of jumping off the diving board as Nanny and Papa cheered them on. Always commenting on the size of every splash. She was a beautiful example of kindness, strength, and selflessness, showing us what it means to love unconditionally. Her faith guided her every step, shaping the way she cared for us with endless grace. While we’ll miss her beyond words, the love she so freely gave and the lessons she taught us will always be with us.

Her caring heart led her to the St. Mary School of Nursing in Milwaukee. After graduating in 1947, she set off for Los Angeles with her dear friend and fellow nurse, Pat, ready to embrace the next chapter of her life. But fate had something special in store. One life-changing day, Pat introduced Mary to her cousin, Dan, from Nebraska, and from that moment on, their love story unfolded. It wasn’t long before our dad convinced Mom that their future belonged together. In one of the fastest courtships in history, she said yes—not just to marriage but to a lifetime of love, adventure, and a move to Lincoln, where they built their beautiful life together. They married on December 27, 1952.

Besides caring for her family, Mary actively participated in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ community. Any free time away from her family was spent supporting her church, especially through the St. Valentine’s Altar Society, where she served as president. This devoted group of women became more than just fellow volunteers—they became her lifelong friends. Whether she was organizing art shows, spending quiet moments in Perpetual Adoration, or preparing meals for grieving families, her devotion to her faith and church community never wavered.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Dan, her brother, Warren Schmitz, and sister, Ellen Lovaas.

Mary leaves behind her children Dan Hergert (Mary), Polly Bowhay (Scott), John Hergert (Maureen), and Mary Sue Papale (Rocky), 11 grandchildren Kelli Hergert, Joe Hergert, Tommy Hergert, Jessica Greenwald, Jenni Makela, Sarah Bowhay, Betsy Carr, Amanda Hergert, Emily Peterson, Becky Shay, Nicky Papale, and 22 great-grandchildren, Hadley Hergert, Teddy Hergert, Daisy Hergert, Lennie Hergert, Zoe Greenwald, Gus Greenwald, Fitz Greenwald, Banks Makela, Lovie Makela, Addie Digman, Frannie Digman, Rosie Digman, Joel Carr, Cleo Bea Carr, Juliana Brown, Ellie Brown, Lilia Brown, John Brown, Philip Brown, Jack Peterson, Sam Peterson, and Mila Shay.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday April 1, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, 3500 Sheridan Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68506.

Visitation with family greeting friends on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 5:30-6:30, concluding with the recitation of the rosary at 6:30 pm at the Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Dr.)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Cathedral of the Risen Christ Altar Society or Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.

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Services

March31

Visitation

5:30 pm-6:30 pm CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

March31

Rosary

6:30 pm CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

April1

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 am CST

Cathedral of the Risen Christ

3500 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, Nebraska

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March 31, 2025

Our sincere sympathy on the death of your loved one. The Hergerts have been in our lives for a long time. Blessings Darrell and Clarice Bailey

– Darrell Bailey

March 30, 2025

Dear Dan, Polly, John and Mary Sue: We were sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Living next door to your family for many years, I look back and don’t how she put up with all the activity so easily and yet always was glad to offer a snack to friends of her kids after tackle football, basketball at all hours, swimming, making movies for Southeast, playing bumper pool and never ending pitch games. We also were allowed to show at her hotel rooms at the Cotton and Orange Bowls, without a cross word. She’ll truly be missed.