Obituary
Mary Anne Heiderscheit
Mary Anne Heiderscheit passed away at her home in Onalaska Sunday afternoon, May 30th. Mary Anne was born on December 15th, 1946 in Dubuque Iowa, the daughter of John and Evelyn Stokesberry and sister to four older brothers: Jim, Dan, Michael, and Bob. After growing up in Cascade and attending Aquin High School there, Mary Anne became one of Clarke College’s first Computer Science graduates. She married Jerry Heiderscheit (a new Air Force lieutenant) in June,1968 and enthusiastically undertook Air Force life through military tours in Texas (often), North Dakota (five winters), Turkey (two years) and Illinois (flat, very flat) until Jerry’s military retirement in 1990. Mary Anne and Jerry have a daughter, Christina, and a son, Jeff, both born—and now living—in Texas.
While in Turkey in the late seventies, Mary Anne accomplished several significant life goals: visiting the many biblical sites and ruins of Turkey, and touring the famous archeological sites in Egypt. In addition, she ranked first among her friends in the accumulation of brass and copper pseudo-antiquities (that ranking, though, remains debated among contenders).
After the Air Force, she and Jerry moved to Onalaska, where she worked for many years at The Board Store doing bookkeeping activities. In addition, she prepared taxes at the AARP’s voluntary income tax preparation assistance operation until health difficulties surfaced. Her optimism was unflagging through several serious health challenges. She endured a lengthy Alzheimer’s decline; however, even through her later years her wisdom remained intact as her memory faded, and her smile remained infectious to the end. Mary Anne died peacefully in the arms of people who loved her.
Mary Anne is survived by her husband of 53 years, their daughter Christina Poehler (with husband Loyal Poehler), in Cedar Park, Texas, and their son, Jeff (with wife Debbie, and four children: Ashleigh, Alex, Madeleine, and Samantha), as well as her brothers Michael and Bob and her sister-in-law and best friend Judy Stokesberry. She is preceded in death by her parents, older brother Jim, older brother Dan and his wife, Lucy.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, June 6th, 2021 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska
Click here to livestream Mary Anne’s prayer service.
Jerry and family,
I’m so sad to hear of Mary Ann’s passing. Please accept my sincere sympathy and love for you and your family.
Patty Marco
Jerry and family,
So sorry to hear of Mary Ann’s passing. We always enjoyed waving to the both of you during your summer evening drives down Sand Lake Road with the top of the PT cruiser down. May your memories comfort you during this time of sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless,
Chris and Patty Heiderscheit
This is a beautiful photo of Aunt Mary Ann and these words resonate so well as I reflect on my memories of her, “even through her later years her wisdom remained intact…, and her smile remained infectious to the end. “ Her smile and warm personality was the same every time I saw her.
What a lovely photo of Mary Anne. It truly reflects the joy of life she felt and shared with all of us who were privileged to call her friend. Blessings to you and all her family as you find solace in your memories of her.
Mary Anne was my treasured friend! I will miss her wisdom and laughter until the end of my days! To all the family, my deepest sympathy at your loss…she carved out such a large space in the life of everyone who knew and loved her. Prayers and peace to each of you.
Will always remember the great times in Texas, Mary Anne’s smile and laugh.