Mary Ann Zoellner

Mary Ann Zoellner, 64, of Onalaska, died on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse after a courageous battle with ALS, with her family and friends by her side. She was born on March 12, 1954 in La Crosse to Paul W. and Grace Ann (Hartung) Zoellner Sr.

She graduated from Central High School in 1972. Later that year Mary married Alvin Knobloch. They later divorced.

Mary had many different types of occupations during her life starting with working in the family bakery. Most of her jobs included caring for others. She spent many years at ORC Industries, Inc. of La Crosse helping people with development disabilities. She ended her working career as a CNA at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Illinois. Mary lived in Rockford for 25 years and returned back to La Crosse in 2013 to be with family, especially her grandchildren.

Mary was very active in her life. She traveled, enjoying the opportunities to go to Alaska and Hawaii. She loved to sew. Mary especially enjoyed making dresses for her nieces and granddaughters. Early in her life she enjoyed bowling, winning several trophies. Later she overcame her fear of water and learned how to swim. She always wanted to swim with the dolphins and fulfilled that goal on her second trip to Hawaii. Mary made several friendships while working at the Dolphin Swim Club in Rockford. She especially enjoyed having her family come to the club and swim while visiting her.

Despite having a debilitating disease, Mary did not lose her independence and fight. She faced her challenges with ALS with much courage and grace. She taught those around her about patience and determination. Though she became disabled, she continued to take an active role in her grandchildren’s lives, attending concerts, plays, and baseball games.

Family, friends, and chocolate were very important to her. She always had room for chocolate – especially chocolate shakes from Culver’s.

She is survived by a daughter, Tina (Dave) Johnson of La Crosse, four grandchildren, Meghan, Hannah, Michael and Henry Johnson, three sisters, Helen Zoellner Kelly of La Crosse, Sally Kopski Murphy and Dale Harkness of La Crosse, and Barbara (Taylor) Walter of Ocala, Florida, three brothers, Paul (Laurie) Zoellner of La Crosse, Michael Zoellner of Midland, Michigan, and Patrick (Kris) Zoellner of La Crosse, nieces and nephews, Lorre Kolb, Will Kopski, and Suzi, Joe (Becky), Russell, Ryan, Emily and Maggie Zoellner, a great niece Lily Kolb, and special friends, Nancy and Dan Tessendorf and Helen McMullin.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, March 4, 2019 at 6 p.m. at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation services of La Crosse. Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate. Burial will be at a later date. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4 p.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the La Crosse Area ALS Support Group, 2726 Shelby Road, La Crosse, WI 54601.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Emergency and Critical Care Units of Gundersen Health System for their wonderful care this past week. Also, thanks to the staff at Hillview Health Center and Holtan House for its loving care and support.