Obituary
Mary Margaret Berkich
Mary Margaret Berkich, 50, of Onalaska, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at Gundersen Health System. She was born February 8, 1963 to Richard and Joan (Probst) Gibbons. She married Michael Berkich on October 22, 1988 in Madison, WI.
Mary enjoyed traveling, landscaping, interior decorating, listening to music, going to concerts, and camping. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and family. Mary was frequently and accurately described as “one of a kind.” Her defining quality was her unique ability to connect to people at the heart level – she was absolutely without pretense or judgment. She was a sensitive soul who managed to feel and live life with an intensity and passion that bordered on fearless. She taught many who knew her how to love unconditionally. She left this world a much better place. Her family was blessed to have her and her friends were richer for having known her. Mary will be forever missed with a depth words cannot describe.
She is survived by her husband, Michael; children, Brieanna Berkich, Jonathan Berkich, Samuel Berkich, and Taylor Berkich; mother, Joan Gibbons; siblings, Tommye Grant, Mathew (Marilyn) Gibbons, Richard (Sharon) Gibbons, Lorraine Beilke, Edward (Chris) Gibbons, Kathleen Fandry, and Constance Korth; nieces and nephews, Mathew (Elissa), Joshua, Jacob (Amber), Michelle (Robert), Tiffany (Franklin), Casey, Jordan, Kyle, Angelina, Richard, Risa, Lucas (Amanda), Dakoda, and Vinny; aunt, Constance “AC” Probst; parents-in-law, John and Rose Berkich; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her father, Richard Gibbons; brother, Daniel Gibbons; brother-in-law, Jeffrey Fandry; and her dogs, Toby and Dakota.
The family would like to thank Beth Rock, NP, Mary Morris, MD, and the team at Gundersen Health System for their excellent care. The family would also like to give a special thanks to Wendy Golden for her friendship and support .
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1031 Main St., Onalaska. The Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate. A visitation will be held two hours prior to the mass at the church. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family. Memorials may be given to the family and children’s center, 1707 Main St., La Crosse, WI 54601.
Mary was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. My love, thoughts, and prayers to all of her family and friends.
So Sorry for your loss. Hugs. Angela Boucher Fink-Marshfield, WI.
Mary was one of a kind. A unique loving caring person. She will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Love you Mary. Love and sympathy to the Berkich and Gibbons Family.
I did not know mary but I feel like I did through her sister lorraine my good friend she was blessed to have a wonderful sister friend mary.Mary seemed like the kind of lady that everyone loved and wanted to be like.cherish the memories and know she is always with u in your heart and spirit. My deepest sympathy to family prayers and hugs love marianne guntner
To Mary’s family…
I have to admit that I didn’t have much contact with Mary when we were at GHS. She was one of those little “underclassmen” and therefore… well, you know how that goes.
But you know what? I’m blessed. I got to know a Mary with a keen sense of humor, someone who had a bubbly laugh right behind her front teeth and was always eager to share it. I got to know a Mary with an admirable exuberance for life and a perfect willingness to share it with everyone – even strangers (although Mary never seemed to have met a stranger). I got to know a Mary who “got the joke,” who was fast with a come-back, who was generous, kind, nonjudgmental, smart, and who was always willing to try any damn thing anybody said, “Lets do!”
That’s the Mary I knew. And now there’s a Mary-sized hole in my heart.
Terri Schlichenmeyer
I am deeply saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. I’m especially sorry for her loved ones, and pray for them to have strength to get through this difficult time. Mary was truly a kindred soul. She made the world a better place for those who knew and loved her. We will all treasure our memories of Mary.
My deepest sympathies to the Berkich and Gibbons Families, and to all who knew Mary. She is and will be forever loved and missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Mary, will all miss you so very much.
Stig
Marys Family,
We are so sorry!!! Mary was a wonderful person and we will miss her dearly.We had a lot of good times together. you are in our thoughts and prayers. she will always be in all of our hearts.
Our thought and prayers go out to all of the family and friends.Mary fought a long battle.
The Gehrke family in Missouri.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for God’s comfort and peace are with you all. With deepest sympathy, Mary Ann Quick (friend of Richard and Sharon Gibbons)
Our heart felt condolences to the family and friends of Mary. She will be forever missed.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to your family.
Nancie Morgan (friend of Sharon and Richard Gibbons)
What I saw posted the other day was very comforting, God does give us more than we can handle. We need to trust in him and let him carry the most heavy burdens. There will be more tough days ahead, this family is so strong, you will support each other and get through this as you have before. Love and hugs to all of you.
So Sorry for your loss Mary will Aways be rememberd for her great smile it could light up a room !! I haven’t seen her for along time but will always remember her Smile.
My Dear Sweet Friend Mary…what a Beautiful heart you so freely shared that touched so many lives because of your genuine, silly, sincere and loving ways! The endless Blessings we all have been given to have been a part of your life. Thank-you for all the Special Memories I will forever hold in my heart!! My Prayers go out to the Gibbons and Berkich Family; I know your hearts are sad and broken and we will always miss Mary, but we all must take comfort in knowing that she no longer has to endure the discomfort and pain of her illness and is now being held in the arms of our precious Lord. Heaven’s lights are now shining brighter since our Angel Mary was sent on January 22. WE LOVE YOU Mary! God’s Blessings and healing to all of the loved ones in her life… Hugs, Kelli
Mary is at peace as God now holds her in his arms. She will forever be in the hearts of everyone she touched. A true blessing and a beautiful lady. My deepest sympathy to Mary’s family and friends.
I did not get to spend a lot of time with Mary over the many years of Mike and Mary’s marriage but I know my brother loved her dearly! Just before I returned home on my last trip back to Onalaska she looked at me and told me that she loved me. I will always remember that moment.
With heartfelt sadness I send my condolences to Mike, Brieanna, Jonathan, Sam, Taylor. Lorraine, Connie and the family. Mary was a beautiful soul that we lost too soon. She enriched all who knew her. I am thankful to have been someone who knew her. Blessings during this time. Carolyn
Our deepest sympathies to my brother Mike and the entire Mike & Mary Berkich Family.
Mary was loved and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John & Rose (Berkich) Flitz
We send our heart-felt sympathies to Mary’s family and friends. What a wonderful zest for life and a laugh that was contagious! She will be missed by many and remembered forever.
I’m so very sorry…. Mary was/will always be a wonderful person to so vey many people who were fortunate enough to know her. God bless you all with peace, understanding and healing. xo