Mary Ekern

Mary Jane (Jolivette) Ekern died peacefully at Springbrook Assisted Living, Onalaska on September 13, 2023.

Mary was born in La Crosse on July 29, 1927 to Cleveland and Genevieve (Marcou) Jolivette. She is survived by two daughters, Carol Ann Schaller (Kenneth) of Eau Claire, WI; Ellyn Marie Katrichis (George Dangles) of Cape Coral, FL. Two sons Robert R. Larson, Jr. (Gail) of Elberton, GA; and William R. Larson (Jackie Osley) of Bangor, WI; son-in-law Michael Meier (Nancy Stohs) of Wauwatosa, WI. Ten grandchildren; Aimee Drivas (Chris) of Chippewa Falls, WI; Edwin Larson of Stoughton, WI; Christopher (Kim) Larson of Sauk City, WI, Jerome Larson of Statesboro, GA; Jesse Larson of Brunswick, GA; Stacy Sullivan (Brandon) of Cape Coral, FL; Nicholas Katrichis (Christina Small) of Champaign, IL; Elaina Meier of Madison, WI; Sarah Meier (Scott Smith) of Rochester, MN and Nicole Larson (Kyle Westbrook) of La Crosse, WI. Eleven Great Grandchildren, Samantha, Stella, Jonas, Marcus, and Sawyer Larson; Lucas, Nathan, and Liam Drivas; Trinity and Trevor Sullivan; and Luka Smith. One brother, John Jolivette (Isabella Johnson) of West Salem, WI.

Mary retired from Gundersen Clinic as a radiology tech in 1992 after 25 years of service. Mary had a quick wit and great sense of humor. She was an avid card player. Bridge and Zioncheck were her favorites. Family gatherings and holiday meals often ended with card games and homemade pie in the kitchen. After retiring she kept busy with craft projects like sewing, quilting, knitting, and crocheting. Quilts were often made as gifts for family and friends, taking care to customize the quilt to represent the person. Gardening, especially flowers, was a passion of hers. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Walter, one daughter Sharon Kay Meier, twin granddaughters Brittany and Courtney Larson, five sisters Helen Lehrke, Revina (Jolly) Marcum, Lillian Hofer, Theresa Arntson, and Rosella (Rose) Reinl; two brothers Jennings (Jake) and Theophile; brothers in law Ed Hofer, Clarence Lehrke, Herb Marcum, sisters-in-law Joan and Isabelle.

Mary married Robert Larson in 1948 and they had five children. They divorced in November of 1970. Walter and Mary were married in May of 1975 and remained married until his death in May of 1988.

On September 22, 2023 at Mary, Mother of the Church, La Crosse, WI, a one hour Visitation will be held at 9:30 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial by Father Brian D. Konopa at 10:30 am. At approximately 11:30 am there will be a procession to the Catholic Cemetery of La Crosse for last prayers. A Luncheon will be held at the Mary, Mother of the Church Parish Hall, on the West side of the church complex, with parking at 20th and Weston Street lot.