Mary E. Marcou

Mary E. Marcou (Haffner), 82, cherished wife, devoted mother, and compassionate nurse, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her home in La Crosse.  Born on April 12, 1941, in Rose Creek, MN, to John and Helen (Mitchell) Haffner. Mary’s desire to become a nurse took her to St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester, MN, where she met and married her husband of 49 years, James Marcou, Jr, on November 25, 1961. They settled in La Crosse where they raised their six children.

Mary touched the hearts of many as a dedicated nurse, embodying empathy and kindness in her profession working as a CCU/ICU nurse at Gundersen Health System for 42 years. Mary was a 62-year member of St. James Catholic Church, where she was involved with CCCW, the Holly Berry Fair, and many bible studies in the La Crosse community. She was an avid reader, enjoyed family gatherings, the ladies’ birthday lunches, social outings, board games, and yes, her desserts! Her commitment to serving others extended beyond the hospital walls serving the unsheltered community in La Crosse at the Catholic Warming Center, the Franciscan Hospitality House, and various other charities. Mary will be remembered not only for her professional achievements but also for her unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

Mary is survived by her six children: Kathy (Craig) Duerwachter, Jim Marcou Jr., Joe Marcou, Patty (Kent Rohrig) Marcou of St. Paul, Paul (Florence) Marcou of Hawaii, Mike (Amy) Marcou. 13 grandchildren, Dayelle (Alex), Sarah, Nicole (Skyler), Ambrea, Joe, Rae Ann (Dayton), Isaac (Dani), Brian (Kristine), Christian, Justin, Nathan, Jacob, Johnny; 7 great grandchildren, Odette, Albie, Astoria, Toviyah, Patrick, Liliana, and Carina; brother, Michael (Mary) Haffner. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James E. Marcou Jr., her brothers Peter and Stephen, and her sister, Suzanne Haffner.

In honoring Mary's memory, let us celebrate her remarkable life and the profound legacy she leaves behind. A visitation will take place 5-7 pm at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S, La Crosse, on Monday, April 15, with a nursing ceremony by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard at 6:25 pm and a rosary at 6:45 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 11:00 am at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia Street in La Crosse with a visitation one hour before the mass. Fr. Robert Letona will officiate. A luncheon will take place after the Mass with a burial following at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 5115 County Road B, La Crosse.

A special thank you to Sandy (Marcou) Gyllander and the Gundersen Hospice team for their kind and compassionate care during Mary’s journey, as well as her private caretaker Taylor Nelson. Memorials preferred to WINN (What I Need Now) and St. James Catholic Church. She was passionate about volunteering in many capacities for unsheltered people in the area, and enjoyed attending mass, engaging with people of the parish, and volunteering at her church.

We will forever miss your presence and the positivity, sunshine, laughter, and warmth that you exuded, knowing that whenever you were there all was right with the world.

Until we meet again.