Mary A. Ghelf

Mary Ann Ghelf, 73 of Viroqua, died on Saturday, April 19, 2014. Mary was born to Martin and Josie (Quain) Myhre in Spring Coulee, in rural Westby on May 12, 1940. She married Wayne Ghelf on September 10, 1960 at Bad Axe Lutheran Church. They farmed side by side for many years on the family farm in Red Mound. During this time she was very active in her church, DeSoto Lutheran, serving as a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, on Church Council, in the Ladies Aid and Hope Circle and The Local Homemaker Club. Most recently she enjoyed being part of the Sons of Norway, Coulee Region Family Research Society, Vernon County Museum and Historical Society and Bethel Lutheran Church. Mommo, as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren is survived by her 3 children, Kirk (Mary) Ghelf, Tracey (Larry) Ames and Wende Ghelf (Lawrence Anderson Jr.); 13 grandchildren, Brandon (Liz Fanta), Melissa (Dan Mohn) Ghelf, Jennifer (Mike Ballwahn) Ghelf, Maria and Anna Ramirez, Rebekka (Josh) Jones, Rachel Ames, Frank (Maegan Fornengo) Ames, Riley, Allyson, Josie and Miranda Ingles and Lydia Anderson; 10 beloved great grandchildren; she is further survived by four sisters, Leona (Harlan) Friske, Sonya Bohland, Melinda (Ronald) Buckles and Judy Peterson; sisters-in-law, Jean and Debbie Ghelf and Marlys Abdella; former son-in-law, Paul Ingles; many precious nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including life long friends, Margie Grimsled, Clarice Munson and Betty Brudos. Mary was preceded in death by, Wayne on July 14, 1992, her parents, Waynes parents, Willis and Francis Ghelf; sister, Arlene (who died in infancy); brothers-in-law, Tommy, Ronnie and Loren Ghelf and Merlin Bohland; nieces and nephew, Amber and Trevor Peterson. She was also preceded by Peter Mayer and Alfred Malin, who each had a very special place in her heart. In her final days she was cared for by family, danced with Sonie, reminisced about her memories of life on the hill in Purdy Valley, bragged about her family, and spoke often of how blessed her life was. She was truly looking forward to being with Wayne in Heaven. We will miss you more than you could ever know. Mom, your hugs, prayers, unending love and not to mention your homemade bread, buns, lefse and donuts; Thank you for teaching us how to work, love and most importantly, be a family. Funeral service will be Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Bethel Lutheran Church (S3533 County Road B, Viroqua) at 2 pm in the afternoon with Pastor Pete Beckstrand officiating. Visitation will be Friday, April 25, 2014 from 4-7 pm at the Vosseteig Larson Funeral Home (123 West Decker St. Viroqua) and Saturday from 1 pm until the time of the service at Church. Interment will be in the Walnut Mound Cemetery in Retreat, WI. In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to, Bad Axe Cemetery (Purdy), DeSoto Lutheran Church Building Fund, or to Bethel Lutheran Church. The Vosseteig Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.