Mary Stettler

Mary Lucille (Harris) Stettler passed away peacefully on March 28^th surrounded by family.  Mary was born Dec 9, 1938, in Ypsilanti, MI, to Edwina & Adelbert (Del) Harris.  She lived there, attending Roosevelt School, a K-12 teaching school of Eastern Michigan College, and thus began her life-long love of school and education.   Her family moved to Albert Lea, MN, during her first year at UW-Madison from which she graduated in 1961 with a BS in Physical Education.  This enabled her to teach in Wauwatosa, WI, before marrying John Stettler of Fountain City, WI, on September 5, 1964, when she began to teach in Madison, WI.   During these years she completed a Masters degree from Michigan State University in guidance and counseling.   After the time in Madison, John took a position with J I Case in Racine, WI, and their three children were born – Karen, Heidi, Steven.  In 1977,   John left Case to buy the family farm and they relocated to Fountain City, WI, in Eagle Valley living on the farm which soon became a century farm.  Mary was most proud of her children as they grew and became self-sufficient.   Mary attended Winona (MN) State University learning another degree with a BS in nursing.  This led to a couple years at Winona Health Hospital and then the position of school nurse at the Cochrane-Fountain City School District for 16 yrs.  It also allowed her the opportunity to coach the girls’ golf team and share her love of the game with them.  She always felt that this time at CFC really combined all her interests, skills, and knowledge of mental and physical health plus medicine into a wellness format that she could help promote.  In addition to responsibilities at CFC Mary was an active member of St John’s UCC, launched and volunteered with the early Winona Hospice program, and enjoyed the family activities of biking/camping/traveling plus, of course, golfing. Mary was an angel on earth and will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her and were touched by her.

Mary is survived by her Husband John; Children: Karen Stettler (Ted Wilson), Heidi Frey (Travis), and Steve Stettler; Grandchildren: Haley Park (Chanhun), Dirk Wilson, Jack Wilson; Sisters:  Virginia Harris and Joan Roragen; Aunt Lois Royal, cousins, and many special friends.

A memorial service will be held on April 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. John's United Church of Christ in Fountain City, with the Rev. Dr. Deborah Kunkel officiating. Burial will be at Eagle Valley Cemetery. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 PM and again on Saturday from 10:00 am until the hour of the service, all at the church. 
In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests memorials, in the name of Mary Stettler, be directed to Winona Health Home & Hospice; 175 East Wabasha St, Winona, MN 55987.