Iola Mary Duff

Iola Mary “Gus” Duff, 87 of La Crescent, MN, and formerly of La Crosse, passed away peacefully and painlessly on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at home in the Clara House of La Crescent while she was surrounded by her favorite music and with her son and daughter in law by her side. She was born in La Crosse, WI, on December 10, 1927 to Carl and Harriet (Laylan) Guscetti. She graduated from Aquinas High School in 1945 and worked for a time at the Electric Autolite Co. On July 25, 1953 she married Vernon Duff at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She and Vern lived in Black River Falls, WI, before returning to La Crosse and building their home in 1959. Iola was a true homemaker who specialized in sewing, cooking and parenting. Her love of music was passed on to her son and she took great joy in providing for her grandchildren. Teaching card games, creating arts and crafts and baking treats were her passions. She was a compassionate caregiver over the years and she spent many wonderful weekends camping with Vern and their many friends at Goose Island.
Iola is survived by her son Steven (Julie) Duff of La Crosse, three grandsons; Nicolas, Michael and Bryan; one brother Hugh (Maureen) Guscetti of St. Paul, MN, sisters in law Dorothy Harris of Prairie du Chein, WI and Elnor Cahill of Jefferson, WI, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Vern.
Memorial services will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crosse chapel, 200 West Ave. So. Rev. Lawrence Berger will officiate. Private family burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends may call on the family Wednesday at the funeral home from 4pm until the time of services. Julie and Steve would like to thank the staff and nurses at Clara House for their tremendous care and support these last nine years. We know you love her as we do and will miss her terribly.