Mary Kirschling

(BELLEVUE) Mary Claire Kirschling, 68, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer (AML) on Sunday May 26th at a local hospital.

Mary was born August 26, 1955 in St. Paul, MN to William and Marion (Oberthur) Schumacher. When she was a young girl, her father relocated the family to Howard, WI where she grew up attending St. John the Baptist School and was a 1973 graduate of Bay Port High School. After graduation, on a dare, she took a job at the shoe factory in Pulaski wagering that she could endure a week of grinding soles. She lost. Figuring she wasn’t cut out to be a factory laborer, she enrolled at NWTC where she earned her degree as a Dental Assistant. She began her career working for Dr. Dale DeSteffen, DDS and after he moved his practice, she migrated over to Dr. John “Jack” Quinlan, DDS.

In spring of 1978, she was invited to attend a booyah party that a friend was hosting. Looking for a place to sit down, a blond haired boy politely moved over to offer her a seat beside him. They chatted away aimlessly and went their separate ways. Intrigued by him, she wondered how she might be able to reconnect with him again. Reaching out to her friend, Joan Mitchell, they plotted to both be invited to her annual turkey roast later that summer. At that time, she learned he was Joanie’s old next door neighbor, Peter Kirschling. Apparently, that was the impetus she needed and the two began to see more and more of each other. Their courtship culminated in their marriage on May 9, 1981, recently sharing 43 years together. Later, Pete convinced Mary to change paths as he had an opening at work and she joined him as a receptionist at Lumber Dealers Supply where she retired after 15 years.

Over the years, Mary and Pete were foster parents to Shayne Wayka and Stephen Webster. Their love of Shayne led to his formal adoption in 2002 which created the family that was previously missing in their lives. Even though it was only a family of three, there were never any barriers that couldn’t stop her nieces and nephews from being a part of her family. She was treated as a mother to all of them!

Her circle of family extended well beyond blood relation. She was particularly tight with her girl posse of Judy, Kathy, Marly, Linda, Carol and Joanie, never needing an occasion to get together and have fun!

As if loving family and friends wasn’t enough, she really loved her garden! This time of year led to constant trips to Stein’s, Home Depot, Bellevue Gardens and Lindsley’s Greenhouse to gather all the ingredients to assemble the perfect hanging baskets! If she were an artist, the yard was her canvas. She would plant hundreds of annuals and perennials so she could give the house that Home & Garden look. She also nurtured her tomatoes, cukes and basil so she could create her delicious caprese salad. It didn’t come without a price. The rabbits were constantly the butt of her tirades! Besides growing things, she really knew her way around the kitchen. Pete is proof that everything she made was delicious. She was her own worst critic, perfecting recipes until she had it down pat. She mastered the ideal pie crust and, at Christmas time, turned the kitchen into a factory, churning out dozens and dozens of cookies. And speaking of Christmas (arguably her favorite holiday of the year), her Christmas tree was meticulously decorated with heirloom ornaments and lots of angels making it “Bloomingdale’s” worthy! She had a love of spoiling her nieces and nephews with special gifts on their birthdays (or any occasion for that matter). A favorite place to entertain family and friends was at the cottage on Surprise Lake. Boat rides, cocktails, great food and laughs were all on the agenda when she was up “nort!” She would always relish the chance to dine out whenever she could so she could share some special time with friends.

Mary will fondly be missed by her family and friends, especially by her husband Pete and son Shayne. Survived by her brothers and sister, Bill Schumacher & Mari Flanigan-Schumacher (Pulaski), John Schumacher (Allouez), Mark & Sandy Schumacher (De Pere) and Rose Schumacher (Howard). Nieces Lisa (Russ) Frye (Tyler, Emily and Aubree) (De Pere), Lori Schumacher (Miguel Castrejon) (Eva) (Morton Grove, IL) and Sara Schumacher (Chicago). Survived also by in-laws Bob & Anita Kirschling (Hobart), Mary Ahler (Minneapolis), Jeanne & Juris Gaigals (Leawood, KS) and Mark Kirschling (Theresa Leisses) (Fond du Lac). Lastly survived by Goddaughters Lisa Frye, Emily Frye, Lexi Kirschling and Olivia Nelson, numerous nieces and nephews as well as feline friends Odie & Pippie and Dog-In-Law Buddy.

She was predeceased by her parents Bill & Marion Schumacher, mother and father-in-law Alex & Ramona Kirschling and brothers and sisters in law John & Lois Kirschling and Joe & Stephanie Kirschling.

Mary truly was an angel on earth as she epitomized unconditional love. Please join us in this joyous occasion to celebrate her elevation into the loving arms of God. Visitation will take place at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, in De Pere on Monday, June 3rd, from 4:00 until a prayer service at 7:00pm. Services will continue Tuesday, June 4th, at St. Matthew Parish, 130 St. Matthew Street, in Allouez from 9:00am until 10:30am. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Bob Kabat presiding. The service may be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@saintmatthew426/streams. Condolences can also be left online at cotterfuneralhome.com.

Memorials in Mary’s name may be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Mary would like to thank the staff on 9th floor at St. Vincent’s for the wonderful and compassionate care she received. They are all truly angels on earth!