It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth Geske (McDonald). Mary passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on October 30, 2024, in her room at Mulder Health Care Facility in West Salem, Wisconsin.

Mary was born on July 10, 1950, to Kathrine (Decker) McDonald and Hector McDonald in the Twin Cities. She was married to her husband, Dave Geske, of almost 42 years on November 27, 1982, at Christ Episcopal Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Seven years later they joyously welcomed their first daughter Dana Marie Geske from Soul South Korea with the assistance of Lutheran Social Services. Two years later the family of three grew to a family of four when they welcomed their second daughter Emily Geske who was affectionately referred to by Dana as “my baby” from “Green Bay Korea.”

Mary loved growing up in Menomonie and often reminisced about the “best years of her life” when she attended Menomonie High School where she graduated in 1968. During those years she developed some lifelong friendships with Kathy Ryan, Connie Price, Kathy Hickey Kuhn, Sue Hintzman Adler, Monika Hintzman, and others. After high school Mary attended La Crosse State University, now known as the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, where she obtained her degree in social work. Mary chose to pursue social work after reading an article in the Minneapolis paper about what social work was and its importance. Through her passion for the field, she influenced her daughter Emily to follow in her footsteps.

Mary was extremely determined and would never take no as an answer if she thought something was important. Her determination allowed her to achieve many incredible things throughout her life. She was the founding Director of Mediation and Family Court Services for La Crosse County. But she did not stop there, she also collaborated with Senator Herb Cole & Senator Ted Kennedy to get legislation enacted that allowed adoptive parents to take family leave and the automatic naturalization of adopted children. On top of all of that she was also an active member of WIPCOD and sat on the board of the Parenting Place, YWCA, Coulee Region Humane Society, and many more. Mary attended and participated in many different conferences over the years but one was always remembered. At this particular conference Mary was giving a speech and little Emily ran up to the stage to be with her mom. Emily soon realized how many people were there, so she grabbed her mom’s dress, put it over her head and stood there hiding. During this whole ordeal Mary did not miss a beat and continued to finish her speech. The only thing she loved more than helping people was her friends and family.

Mary was extremely proud of her Scottish heritage which made her friendship with June Hamilton inevitable. In true Mary fashion she was determined to be June’s friend when she found out June was visiting from Scotland and made it happen by walking right up to June introducing herself and declaring right then and there that they were going to be friends.

Mary adored spending time with her children and could be found many summers and weekends at the horse barn with Dana. She loved watching Dana learn and perform and had fun traveling for shows. When Emily was young, she would go on school trips or camping with her for Girl Scouts. She was always there to make sure they had fun.

Anyone who knew her can tell you how devoted a democrat she was in life. This was most obvious when Governor Scott Walker was in office. On many occasions Dave would come home and go to read the newspaper. However, that became increasingly difficult during that time because anytime the newspaper had a picture of Walker, Mary would cut it out and throw it away. This of course left large holes in the middle of articles making reading the paper exceedingly difficult. There are so many more stories and accomplishments that could be mentioned about Mary, but we would need several volumes of books just to cover everything. Mary truly was the life of the party and could make anyone smile just by being there.

Mary is survived by her husband Dave Geske, daughter Emily Geske, brother Tom McDonald and his son Scott McDonald. As well as her beloved grandchildren Chrissy Fuchs (16), Coltyn Literski (13), Carter Brenson (12), Cayden Literski (12), and Layla Literski (3). Along with numerous cousins & friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Hector & Kathrine McDonald, father & mother-in-law Walter & Annie Geske, sister-in-law Mary Geske, and her daughter Dana Geske. As well as numerous aunts, uncles & cousins.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Mulder Health Care Facility and St. Croix Hospice.

In Lieu of flowers please send memorials to any of the following: Smile Train, YWCA, The Parenting Place, Lutheran Social Services, or Coulee Region Humane Society.

A service will be held on Friday, November 22^nd, 2024, at 6:00 PM with a visitation prior from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. A burial to follow for family members on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Decorah Prairie Cemetery in Galesville where she will join her Dana, and father & mother-in-law Annie & Walter, and sister-in-law Mary Geske.

Click HERE to view Mary’s tribute video