Marie J. Kane

Mrs. Marie Jeanne Kane (Marisa) passed away Friday, December 2, 2022 in Mansfield, Texas. Marisa was born on January 16, 1937 to Wladislas and Marianne Madeleine Lausch Jarnetzki in Stiring-Wendel, France, in the Northeast Moselle region near the German border.

In March 1955, she married American Sergeant 1st Class George A. Kane in Mannheim, Germany. Soon after the newlyweds relocated to the Fort Hood Army Post near Killeen, Texas. On December 23, 1955 they welcomed their 1st child, George R. Kane. The young family was later stationed in Louisiana, Italy, Florida and finally, Mississippi. Marisa became a U.S. Citizen in 1957.
While working at The Women’s Clinic in Flowood, MS Marisa connected with a young mom placing her baby up for adoption. After the blessing of her husband and son, the Kanes were able to adopt a daughter, Karen, born October 27, 1970.

In 1971 the family of four returned to Germany for a couple of years. Upon their return to the United States, they made their home in Jackson, MS temporarily before settling in the Forrest County town of Petal. Marisa worked at Pine Belt Savings and Loan in Hattiesburg, MS from 1976-1980 and in 1977, worked on Senator Thad Cochran’s successful campaign committee.

Marisa eventually joined her husband in running the growing family business, Kane Amusement. They soon became an authorized distributor of amusement and vending products with offices spanning across three states. In 1988, Marisa and George moved to Tampa, FL for the launch of an additional distributor location. Also, in the fall of 1988, George’s Funland debuted in Pearl, MS. George’s Funland quickly became a popular location for pool and foosball tournaments. The tournaments would often span over 24 hours, with people traveling from multiple states to enter.

In 1989, after the death of her husband, George, Marisa moved to Brandon, MS and was an integral part of George’s Funland until her retirement and relocation in 2007 to Grand Prairie, TX.
Marisa was known for her love of entertaining and excellent cooking. She never lost her strong German accent and enjoyed the company of many friends; all were welcome in her home. She cherished her Christian faith and church activities, especially Oktoberfest. She loved to dance and go to the casino. Marisa will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit and her loving playfulness as Omi to her many beloved grand and great-grandchildren.

Marisa is survived by son George R. Kane and daughter in love Cathy, of Moselle, MS and daughter Karen (Meinershagen) and son in love Matt, of Grand Prairie, TX. Omi has six wonderful grandchildren: Robbie, Nathan, Taylor, Abby, Parker and Emma Claire and four great-grandchildren: Skylar, Bailey, Jaxson and Nathan, who will miss her dearly.

Omi’s family will celebrate her life on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 1100am, St. John Lutheran Church, 1218 E. Debbie Lane, Mansfield, TX. Anyone who knew and loved Omi is welcome.