Mary L. Lobeck

Mary Linse Lobeck passed away at the age of 72 in her home on October 1, 2017 with a soul full of warmth, love surrounding her, wonderful memories in her heart and peace of faith with God.  Mary was blessed to have fallen in love twice, loved her children unconditionally and loved her grandchildren beyond expression; simply stated, Mary was selfless and always focused on her family as it was her greatest joy.

Mary was born on June 2, 1945 in Eau Claire and welcomed home by parents Clarence and Marjorie Stocks and older brother Clancy.  Mary grew up in Eau Claire and made wonderful memories at the family cabin in Hayward on Little Spider Lake.  Mary graduated from Memorial High School in 1963 and attended Wisconsin State University - Eau Claire for two years.

Mary was working in an office when she met her first love; Bruce Linse who happened to walk into the office.  They had a brief courtship and after a glove box proposal, they were united in marriage on February 12, 1966.  They made their home in Altoona, Marshalltown-Iowa, Onalaska, Eau Claire and finally settling in Onalaska in 1974.  Their marriage was blessed with three children; Brian, Brad and Marcy.  Mary was honored to be called ‘mom’ by many friends of her children.  Mary enjoyed her home, neighbors, family and life on 14th Avenue North in Onalaska for over 40 years.  Mary especially enjoyed spending time “up north” and “on the lake” with her family as the children were young and as they were growing up.  Mary feverously looked forward to those gorgeous sunsets that colored the evening sky on a regular basis.

Mary was employed at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church and School in Onalaska for many years while the children were enrolled in grade school.  Mary began employment at the City of Onalaska in 1988 as an Assistant Clerk and moved into the City Clerk position.  Mary spent countless hours and late nights preparing for elections and handing them with stamina and dedication.  Mary began employment in the La Crosse County Clerk department in 2001 retiring from public service in 2006.

Mary was shopping in Target when she connected with her second love; Steve Lobeck.  They had a brief courtship and after meeting the adult children (and families) of each other, a snowshoe proposal took place and they were married on April 27, 2013.  Mary was blessed to expand her family with three more families; Hansen Family: Jodi, Steve, Jordan and Cameron, Schmidt Family: Ami, Brian, Allison and Griffin, and Shian Family: Lindsey, Chris, Emma and Aidan.

Mary and Steve began their life together balancing the events and activities of the combined ten grandchildren as well as the farm life at Steve's home that included a large garden, making homemade applesauce and various canned goods.  They enjoyed time on Little Spider Lake where Mary successfully water-skied through the age of 70 as well as adventures that took them to Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, Texas, San Diego, Ohio, the north shore of Minnesota, Indiana, Connecticut and most importantly Camp Randall.  Mary became a regular attendee at Badger football games as well as Badger basketball games including the NCAA finals.

Mary is survived by her husband: Steve, her sons: Brian (Jennifer) Linse, Brad (Cristy) Linse, her daughter: Marcy (Brian) Penfield, her beloved and cherished grandchildren: Kirin and Keaton Linse and Emma and Bruce Penfield and her brother Clancy (Shirley) Stocks.  Mary’s heart broke with the knowledge that she would leave this earthly place and not be able to see her grandchildren grow up and continue to be part of their earthly lives.

Mary was proceeded in death by her first love: Bruce Linse, her parents: Clarence and Marjorie Stocks, her in laws: Paul and Joyce Linse and special friend Germaine Erickson.

Funeral service will take place on Wednesday October 4 at 1:30 PM at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church Onalaska with burial following the service at the Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may visit at the Schumacher-Kish funeral home in Onalaska on Tuesday October 3 from 4-6:30 PM and again on Wednesday October 4 for an hour prior to the funeral service .  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be given to a charity of your choice or to be given towards the education of her grandchildren.

Thank you to so many wonderful friends and family who supported Mary through her journey and battle with Leukemia.  Special thanks to her amazing husband who was beside Mary every single day, always showed courage and hope, and brought joy and love to Mary in every moment that they shared.