Mary Ann Siler

On the morning of September 22, 2025, Mary Ann (Cichowski) Siler, surrounded by her loving family, peacefully left this world and was welcomed into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, after a courageous and grace-filled battle with cancer.

Mary Ann was born on July 14, 1960, in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, to Stanley and Theresa Cichowski. Much of her childhood was spent in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where she developed a lifelong love of snow. From a young age, she had a free spirit and a love for people, able to talk with and get along with anyone and everyone. She also loved running track – so much so that she enjoyed racing the school bus home, a seven-mile stretch she often won.

On November 24, 1979, Mary Ann married the love of her life, Dennis Raymond Siler. In 1984, they both gave their lives to Christ—a decision that became the foundation of their marriage, family, and ministry.

In 1989, the Siler family moved to Living Waters Bible Camp, where Dennis became Camp Director. Mary Ann quickly became a vital part of the camp community, faithfully serving in countless ways. She was always willing to volunteer, whether she was good at it or not. Cooking, cleaning, encouraging, teaching, or simply offering a listening ear – she poured herself into every task with joy and love. Her heart for adventure and spontaneity made life with her unforgettable. She was known equally for her sincere kindness and her mischievousness – often “breaking the rules” in the name of fun – and for always finding a way to bring laughter and joy into the room.

Mary Ann’s deep love for children and families was evident in everything she did. She led Sunday School, taught Awana Cubbies, and served passionately at the Door of Hope Pregnancy Center. Her love for Jesus radiated through her warm smile, generous hospitality, and the way she invested in her children, grandchildren, and everyone who crossed her path. Dennis and Mary Ann also felt a strong calling to foster care and, over the years, they opened their home and hearts to more than 50 children in Wisconsin and Michigan, loving each one as their own.

Mary Ann had a remarkable gift for seeing the best in others. She would greet anyone who entered her home by name (and there have been hundreds and hundreds) with a hug and then make sure they left with food, clothing, or whatever they needed. She thanked people for even the smallest kindness and made every person she encountered feel uniquely seen and valued. Her spark was genuine—always curious, but never judgmental.

She was known for saying “yes” to everything, often without checking with Dennis, and her cheerful over-commitment frequently led to double- or triple-booking herself. If you ever called to ask where she was or whether she was coming soon, the answer was usually, “Oh, I’m on my way!” (though she most likely hadn’t left yet).

After bravely battling lymphoma three times, Mary Ann never lost her joy or her faith. She trusted that the battle was the Lord’s and focused not on herself, but on her family and their future. Her strength, humor, and unwavering hope inspired everyone around her. She will be deeply missed!

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her brother, Stanley Joseph Cichowski; her sister, Bernadette Marie Cichowski; and her parents, Stanley and Theresa Cichowski.

She is survived by her siblings: Pat Nosko, Sister Mary Raphael, Peter (Louise) Cichowski, Anthony (Sue) Cichowski, Frank (Mary) Cichowski, Angel (John) Fitzgerald.

Her legacy lives on through her beloved children: Anna (Joey) Bures, Patty (Phil) Ottum, Ray (Kelly) Siler, Naomi (Kevin) Evers, Matthew (Mareike) Siler, Caolae (Brian) Jones, Tacie Siler, Noah Siler, Timothy (Hayley) Siler, Lydia (Caleb) Van Fossen, Titus Siler.

And her treasured grandchildren: Malachi (Chi), Oriana (Ori Bean), and Nadia (Nugget) Bures; Maya(Papaya), Jaxon (Jax), and Finn(lander) Ottum; Hadley (Smadley), Willow(Ba-dillow), and Rio (Chicken) Siler; Tirzah (Ba-dirza), Ellie(Belly), Boaz (BoBo), Keturah (Kettybird), and Solomon (SollyWolly) Evers; Thessalie (Tessa), Adelina (Audi), and Phileas(Willeas) Siler; Alicia, Kazalea (Bo-balea), Irene (Green Beanie), and Caleb(Bo-baleb) Jones.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12th, 2025 from 2pm-7pm at Living Waters Bible Camp, E8932 Reo Ave, Westby, WI 54667.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, October 13th, 2025 at 10:30am at First Free Church, 123 Mason St, Onalaska, WI 54650. There won't be a visitation before the service on this day, but immediately following the service there will be a lunch and time for visiting at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Ann’s memory may be made to two ministries dear to her heart: Door of Hope Pregnancy Center and the Living Waters Bible Camp Scholarship Fund. The Seland Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.