Mary Sage

Mary Margaret (Bell) Sage, age 77 of La Crosse, died peacefully at Riverside Transitional Care Facility January 8th, 2025. Born in Onalaska on December 30th, 1947, where she later met, fell in love with and married Deacon Richard Sage; her first and lifelong loving husband, married for over fifty-two years. They later moved to Counsel Bluffs, Iowa but ultimately returned to the La Crosse area where they spent the balance of their glorious years together surrounded by loving family and friends. 

Mary worked her entire professional career as a Secretary and Executive Assistant at the University of WI – La Crosse. During this time Mary also raised three children and kept a loving household in the La Crosse community.

Mary was an active member of the Mary Mother of the Church Parish community – attending services and volunteering her time and energy for decades. Mary enjoyed and excelled at many Arts and Crafts throughout her life including Ceramics, Cross-stitch, and especially card making – combining her joy of crafting with her pals and sending beautiful handwritten notes to family and friends. Mary was also an avid reader, keeping a terrifically accurate list of all the books she read throughout her life.

Mary is preceded in death by her loving husband Richard, parents Willis Jones and Lois Bell, and sibling, Richard Bell. Survived by children, Jennifer (David) Schmeling, Tom (Michelle) Sage, David (Cynthia) Sage and her beloved grandchildren; Alicia, Jacob and Cody and sister Barbara (Bill) Kramer and many nieces, nephews, godchildren and other loving family.

Memorial visitation: Saturday, January 18th, 9:30 AM at Mary, Mother of the Church, 2006 Weston St, La Crosse, Mass of the Resurrection to follow at 11:00am. A private family burial will take place in Onalaska City Cemetery.

Finally, special thanks to all doctors, nurses, caregivers, and EMTs from Mayo Clinic Health System and Mayo Hospice who cared for our beloved Mother. You will forever be remembered in our hearts.