Mary Margaret Jenks

Mary M. (Mellick) Jenks of La Crosse died suddenly and unexpectantly Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at Gundersen Health System.

Mary Margaret was born September 11, 1945, in Waukon, Iowa to Irish parents Francis and Margaret (Delaney) Mellick.  Shortly after the arrival of her only sibling, Michael, the family moved to La Crosse.  Mary attended parochial schools, and as a member of the last eighth grade class of the old Cathedral school she received a piece of the old Cathedral Church, which she cherished.  She graduated from Aquinas High School, class of 1963.  Mary entered into marriage with Gerald R. Jenks with whom she had five children.  They later divorced.

Mary, being true to her Irish heritage, had the gift of gab earning her the nickname Gabby.  She always welcomed family and friends into her home.  Many a Christmas included a guest who was observed sitting alone at church and invited over to the house for dinner.  She always had coffee and conversation ready and spent a lot of time enjoying both with many friends at her favorite spot, King Street Kitchen.

While raising her children, she also provided childcare for several families.  Eventually resuming employment outside the home, first at the newly opened Target store, then O.R.C. Inc., and lastly, WalzCraft, where she cherished the many friends she made.  After “retirement” she worked at Gifted Hands gift shop and resumed childcare for grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Mary was essential in her family, especially in a multi-generational household.  In addition to her children and those she provided care for, she fostered a toddler boy.  Grandchildren affectionately called her “Mema” as did the students at Providence Academy when she volunteered.  Mary also made it possible for her mother to remain in her home until her passing.

Mary is survived by her son, Jim of La Crosse; twin daughters, Theresa (Gary) Rudy of Hokah, MN and Susan (Darrell) Olson of Galesville, WI; daughters, Monica (Michael) Leis and Jean Gadow of La Crosse; her fifth daughter, Jackie Ness; and favorite son, Scott Stanton.

She is further survived by grandchildren, Christopher (Jessica) Burks, Zebediah Burks, Tanner Olson, Margaret and Mayanna VanderSchaaf, Michael and Meaghan Leis, Joseph Gadow, Kathryn (Cody) Scholze, Michael (Heather) Hether and Kathleen (Phil) Schroeder; great-grandchildren, Thomas, Leon, Damara, Malik and McKenna; sister-in-law, Dorothy Mellick; and many nieces, nephews, and Iowa cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Mellick and granddaughter, Maria Leis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, 530 Main Street, La Crosse.  Msgr. Richard Gilles will officiate.  Entombment will follow in the Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Cathedral Restoration Project or Providence Academy.