Mary K. Morgan

Mary K. (nee Maney) Morgan, 81, of La Crosse died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, surrounded by loving family members at Mayo Health System in La Crosse.

She was born in Prairie du Chien March 25, 1932, to James and Margaret (Johnson) Maney. She lived in the Seneca area before her family relocated to La Crosse. She married Charles R. Morgan June 22, 1957, at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse.

Mary graduated from Aquinas High School in 1950. She enjoyed music, sharing her talents in violin in the high school orchestra and as a national winner in piano. In 1948, her outstanding oratory skills were recognized in the national “I Speak for Democracy” contest.

Mary graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Viterbo College in 1954 and commenced her teaching career in Milwaukee. Shortly thereafter she met her sweetheart, Charlie, and returned to La Crosse. She then began her decades of teaching in the Catholic school system at St. Thomas More and Blessed Sacrament, retiring in 1997. She loved teaching second grade classes because she could share the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist with her many students. She truly embraced the importance of the education of the whole child and worked hard to advance not only her students’ academic skills, but also their spirituality and faith.

Mary was a sweet and generous person who shared her many talents with family, friends and the children she taught over the years. She enjoyed family celebrations, holidays, and baking for family and friends, who loved her pies and cookies.

Mary lived her faith, serving in numerous capacities at Blessed Sacrament Parish, including Parish Council, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher, Choir and the Women’s Club. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and Serra Club. As a loving mom, Mary also made sure she was there for her children, helping lead their Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops. She helped other children in La Crosse strengthen their reading skills and volunteered for many organizations, including the Franciscan Auxiliary.

Mary’s volunteer work included her broad support for Viterbo University over many years. She served as President of its Alumni Board and, in 1994 she received the Outstanding Alumni Award for Service to the College from the Viterbo College Alumni Association. In 2004 Mary’s volunteer efforts were further recognized by Viterbo University when she was given its Master of Living and Learning award. She remained active and served as an Emeritus Alumni Board Member.

Mary truly loved her family and spending time with them over the years. From picnics, camping and fishing at Lake Arbutus and Goose Island, to enjoying time with extended family and friends and going out or making dinner for her kids and their families. She made time to always encourage and support their many endeavors. She especially loved her grandchildren and the opportunity to spend time with them.

Mary is survived by four children, Charles T. (Roxanne) Morgan of Hokah, Minn., Timothy (Joanne) Morgan of Stoddard, Wis., Anne (Greg) Hlavacka of La Crosse and Kathryn “Kate” (Brian) Knox of Sussex, Wis. Mary also is survived by six grandchildren, Charles, Elizabeth and Christine Hlavacka, and Carley, Claire and Zachary Morgan; two brothers, James P. Maney of La Crosse, and Bernard (Audrey) Maney of La Crosse; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Charles Nov. 2, 1983; her parents, and her husband’s three sisters, Marita (Frank) Daley, JoAnne (Maurice) Stansbury, and Ruth Morgan.

The family extends a special thanks to Dianne Fruth who provided loving care for Mary and made it possible for her to remain active.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 130 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse. The Rev. Peter Raj will officiate, and Msgr. Bernard McGarty and the Rev. Robert Cook will concelebrate, with burial to be held in Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse. Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. S., La Crosse, with a Rosary to be held at 6:30 p.m. Family and friends may also call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass Friday at the church.

Memorials can be made to the Aquinas Foundation or Viterbo University.