Marie A. Reed

Marie Ann Schmidtknecht Reed 84, of La Crosse died Tuesday, Jan 4, 2022, at Hillview Health Care Center and went to heaven. She was born on Jan 28, 1937 in Fountain City, WI to Harold & Florence (Wojchik) Franzwa.

On Sep 8, 1956 she married Allen Schmidtknecht. He passed away in 2001. On Aug 5, 2005 she married Kenneth Reed in LaCrosse.

Marie is survived by Husband, Kenneth, Sons Steve (Kareen) of Rockton, IL, Greg (Debbie) of Vincennes, In, Ron (Penny) of LaCrosse & Mark (Kim) of LaCrosse and daughter Barbara of San Diego, Ca. She is survived by 7 Grandchildren, Sarah, Peter, Dan, Kyle, Nicole, Christopher and Maggie and 8 Great Grandchildren.
Further survived by Sisters Ruth (Leo), Karen (Rich), Brothers Lavern (Lucy), Duane (Linda) and step brother Michael, Sister in-law LuAnn, Brother in-law David (Joy) & Aunt Carol Jahn.

She was preceded in death by Husband Allen, Daughter Susan who passed in 2018, Parents Harold & Florence Franzwa, Brother Ed, Sister Betty, brothers’ in-law Gerald and Devon and sisters’ in-law Judy and Sandi.

Through her marriage to Ken, Marie gained another family that she enjoyed spending time with. We thank them for many happy moments they added to her life.

Marie had a sharp wit that brought many smiles to family, friends and co-workers. She was quick with a joke & delighted in pulling a harmless prank on others. She was able to pass on small doses of her humor and style to her children.

Marie enjoyed spending time with children & grandchildren, growing vegetables & geraniums on her porch and in her backyard. Our memories include large summer gardens, berry picking, fruits & vegetable canning, & fall pie slices. She was a master with baking of Sandbakkels, Rosettes, Cookies & monkey bread. She had a small cottage industry in supplying Christmas baked magic and crocheted angels to others. Later in life she was able to share her pickle making skills with Ken, Greg & Maggie and Linda. Her collection of cookbooks provided many hours of gentle reading & conversation.
Marie spent her working career as a cook in the LaCrosse School System. She worked in the kitchens of Summit & Logan Middle Schools with many friends and work partners. She developed long term friendships with teachers & custodians. Marie finished her career as Head Cook at Logan Middle School.

Allen & Marie were proud members of the French Island Boat Club for many years. Weekends were spent relaxing around sandbar campfires & sharing life stories. She never overcame her fear of water deeper than 3 inches & would not swim.

In the later years Ken introduced Marie to motorhome travels. He took Marie to Texas for winter getaways to warm weather and fishing. They made friends there that led to more summer adventures at EAA Oshkosh and Devils Lake, ND.

As the years passed & diabetes took her mobility away they spent their time at home or at the Brownsville farm with Brian’s & Ken’s gardens. She enjoyed many visits with family and friends at Hinkley Rd and Hillview Health Care.

Special thanks to the staff at Hillview Health Care for their loving and attentive care these last few years.

The Family of Marie Reed invites you to a Celebration of Life on Saturday May 7, 2022, for an afternoon of happy memories, stories and experiences. Please pass this along to family and friends that would enjoy attending.

We will gather at AmericInn Conference Center, 1835 Rose St, LaCrosse. Please meet in the Wisconsin room from 11 am-3 pm to share light appetizers & refreshments.
The Family of Marie Reed invites you to a Celebration of Life on Saturday May 7, 2022, for an afternoon of happy memories, stories and experiences. Please pass this along to family and friends that would enjoy attending.

We will gather at AmericInn Conference Center, 1835 Rose St, LaCrosse. Please meet in the Wisconsin room from 11 am-3 pm to share light appetizers & refreshments.

Memorial donations may be made to your local Meals on Wheels or Food Pantry. Marie had a soft spot for keeping everyone fed & cared for.