Mary "Polly" Laper

Mary Elizabeth Laper, age 79 of Markesan, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at her home with her loving family at her side.

Polly was born on October 29, 1946, daughter of Reginald "Rex" and Mary (Geimer) Swoboda of Denmark Wi. She was united in marriage to Don Laper on December 30, 1995, in Fairwater, WI.

Polly was often she was described as a special lady—a classy woman who raised her 8 children on her own and, in many ways, became a mother to many more. Her home was always open. So many came and went through her doors, and each one knew they were welcome. This was her legacy.

In 1995, she married Don Laper, the love of her life, in Fairwater, Wisconsin. With that union, two families blended into one—growing from nine to fourteen, and ultimately expanding into a family of more than thirty with spouses and grandchildren. Together, they built a life centered on love and belonging.

Polly found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved playing cards, especially the many bridge groups she faithfully kept up with over the years. She cherished time at the lake, vacations with Don, and being surrounded by family and friends. Cooking and gathering were among her greatest joys, as she created not just meals, but lasting memories around the table. She was also an avid Green Bay Packers fan, as she told us with attendance at the Ice Bowl. She enjoyed celebrating life’s moments with a sweet treat or a well-timed cocktail and cigarette.

A very faithful Catholic, Polly was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church – Holy Family Parish in Markesan. Her faith was a steady source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Don Laper; her children, Rex (Angela) Wachtel, Beth (Tony) Peltier, Mathew Wachtel, Tara (Jarred) Cassady, Jude (Teresa) Wachtel, Andrea Keel, Kim (Chad) Kaufman, Gariann (Phil) Davi, Lynnette (Doug) Wilde, Skip (Brenda) Laper, and Janell (Brad) Squire; and her eighteen grandchildren, Madeline, Zach, Charlie, Rex, Tommy, Jackson, Tyson, Reece, Hanna, Abby, Ava, Lexi, Amelia, Aubrey, Aiden, Karissa, Broch, and Hudson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church - Holy Family Parish 41 St. Joseph Street, Markesan, WI. Visitation for Polly will be at church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will take place at Markesan Memorial Cemetery. Lunch will be served following the burial.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name and decided at a later date.