Mary Ann Umhoefer

Mary Ann Umhoefer

Mary Ann Umhoefer, 84, of La Crosse died Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Bethany-Riverside Nursing Facility in La Crosse after a long decline in health.

She was born in Wausau, Wisconsin to Edward and Mary (Sippl) Umhoefer and grew up there with her two brothers.

Mary had a lifelong career as a nurse, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1950. In 1964 she earned a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, and in 1974 a Master of Public Health degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. Through those years she worked for extended periods in Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, Waukesha County and Green Bay, all in Wisconsin. Her nursing career included time as a hospital nurse, polio special care nurse, industrial nurse and mostly as a public health nurse.

She was preceded in death by an older brother, Alfred Umhoefer, in 2011.

Mary is survived by the following relatives: brother, Thomas (Peg) Umhoefer of La Crosse and their descendants, Marys nephews and nieces; Mark (Sue) Umhoefer of Hartland, WI, David (Gretchen Doege) Umhoefer of Milwaukee, WI, John (Sara) Umhoefer of Madison, WI, Anne (Peter) Ericksen of DePere, WI and Robert (Sarah) Umhoefer of St. Paul, MN. And grandnephews and grandnieces; Gregory, Joseph and Daniel Umhoefer (Mark); Emily and Benjamin Umhoefer (David); Taylor Goodine, Allison and William Umhoefer (John); Neal, Wesley, Ella and Catherine Ericksen (Anne); and Luke and Grace Umhoefer (Robert). And her sister-in-law, Janette (Alfred) Umhoefer of Longwood, FL, and their descendants, Marys nephew and nieces; Paul (Barbara Ralston) Umhoefer of Flagstaff, AZ; Marla (Michael) Adams of Myakka City, FL and Carol (Erich Martin)Umhoefer of Paris, France. And grandnephews and grandnieces; Laurel Adams (Marla), Mathias and Benjamin Pietrancosta (Carol).

Mary - in her prime - would have had only gratitude and high praise for the wonderful level of care, both professional and personal, that she received for the last seven and a half years from her doctors, nurses and all the staff at Bethany-Riverside.

Given the thread of nursing that ran through Marys life, it would be fitting for any memorials to be given to the St. Clare Health Mission, 916 Ferry Street, La Crosse, WI 54601.

As requested, in death, Marys body will be cremated. At a later date there will be a private family life celebration recognizing both the end and beginning of life; memorializing the death of Mary and celebrating the anticipated birth of her first great-grandniece.

Mary was always conscientious and caring, and touched the lives of many people in her 84 years. Thats a very rich legacy to leave.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family.