Mary Ellen Friske

Mary Ellen Friske, 89, of Onalaska, died peacefully Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Bethany-Riverside, La Crosse. She was born June 15, 1928 to Sylvia (Roberts) and Donald A. Welda, grew up in Mindoro, Black River Falls and Chippewa Falls, then moved to La Crosse upon high school graduation to work downtown at The Star Knitting Company. She met Samuel O. Friske at the Avalon Ballroom and married October 13, 1951, in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Sam died of cancer November 6, 1975.

Mary worked as a bookkeeper during much of her life. She was an active member of North Presbyterian Church. She lived in her home on Prospect St. over 50 years until moving to Eagle Crest North in 2012. Mary was active and independent until early 2018 when she fractured her pelvis in a fall, recovered at Bethany-Riverside nursing home and returned briefly to Eagle Crest Assisted Living before she fell again suffering a broken hip, an injury from which she did not recover.

Mary loved her family and enjoyed time with her friends and the residents and staff at Eagle Crest. She used her computer daily enjoying research, email, Facebook, and studying maps. She was kind and loving with a keen sense of humor and sharp wit that made everyone smile. She will be missed by many.

Surviving are her three children, Jan (Mark Birchler) Friske-Birchler of Roselle, IL, Todd (Marybeth) Friske of Madison, and Kay (Ed) Wais of The Villages, FL., five grandchildren Matthew (Beth), Michael and Sara Birchler, Kelly (Dan) Parker and Dana Friske and a great-grandchild, Rowan Parker.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 29 ^th , at North Presbyterian Church, 1327 N Salem Rd., La Crosse. Pastor Scott Skogen will officiate. Friends may visit the family from 10 a.m. Tuesday until the service and are invited to a luncheon at the church after the service.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at Eagle Crest North. She thoroughly enjoyed her years living there. We also extend deep appreciation for the dignity and excellent care Mom received at Bethany Riverside.