Edna M. Spohn

Edna M. Spohn of La Crosse, WI, died on Friday, November 26, 2021, at the age of 90. She was born in Glendale Township on May 26, 1931, to Ferdinand and Emily (Tyrolt) Spohn.

Edna graduated from Kendall High School in 1949, Juneau County Normal School in 1951, and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1966. She taught in one room rural schools in Monroe County, and Whitehall Elementary School, before becoming a Special Education Teacher in the La Crosse Public School System in 1957.

After her retirement in 1990, Edna enjoyed many Pilgrimages to foreign countries, exploring her heritage and for spiritual growth. She was involved in volunteering at Gundersen Health System and was a Eucharistic Prayer Partner with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. She was a member of Mary Mother of the Church Parish, at St. Thomas More Church. She was honored by her PCCW Women’s Club with the “Woman of Light” award in 2011.

Edna was a member of La Crosse Area Retired Educators Association and an Honored Member of Wisconsin Retired Educators Association. She was a member of Catholic Daughters of America and the Serra Club in La Crosse.

In addition to traveling, Edna enjoyed flower gardening and feeding/watering the birds.

Survivors include her sister Marie Brandau, of La Crosse; nieces and nephews Frances Housman, of Glen Arbor, MI, James Schaitel, of Sparta, WI, Mary Dordan, of Milaca, MN; William (Pamela) Hoefer, of Guttenberg, IA; John (Kate) Schaitel, of Sparta, WI, and David (Phyllis) Brandau of La Crosse.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Rita Schaitel and Margaret Hoefer, and a nephew Michael Brandau.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 11, 2021, in St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, 530 Main St., La Crosse. Msgr. Richard Gilles will officiate with burial to be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery, in Kendall, WI. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at Church on Saturday. A funeral luncheon will be provided following Mass at Church.

Memorials may be given to Mary Mother of the Church Parish, Catholic Charities, or donors of choice.