Mary Schutz

Mary Schutz, passed away in her sleep on January 18 at Azura Memory Care in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Mary was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin to Jack and Edith (Wanner) Brainard on January 24, 1949. She graduated from Mondovi High School, and received her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a graduate degree in education from National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois

Mary married Michael Schutz on July 16, 1996. While the term soulmate is a cliche, they were soulmates and not embarrassed to admit it...well...maybe a little embarrassed. They loved being together.

Mary knew she wanted to be a teacher for as long as she could remember. She taught third grade at Park Lawn School and kindergarten at Summit School in the Oconomowoc School Area District. She loved everything about being a teacher.

Among many interests, she was a talented watercolor painter and loved travel adventures, especially with friends and family.

Mary's upbeat attitude, smile and kindness made her someone you wanted to be around. To try to sum up the richness of Mary's life in a few paragraphs is not possible. She was simply a vibrant, wonderful human being.

She is survived by her husband, Mike, son Bill (Lisa) Hehli, Bob (Colleen) Hehli, step-daughter, Megan (Rocco) Koekemoer, step-son, Erik Schutz, sisters Jill (Dave) Chouinard, Pat (Steve) Olbert, grandchildren, Jack, Kyle, Ben and Ava Hehli, Rocco and Elizabeth Koekemoer, many nieces and nephews, and wonderful friends.

The family wishes to thank Azura Memory Care of Eau Claire for the care and kindness that Mary received. In addition, the family wishes to thank the many friends who have been so loving and supportive throughout this process.

Upon retirement, Mary fulfilled her life-long wish to move to her family's cottage on Lake Eau Claire. As a fitting tribute to Mary, a gathering of friends and family to celebrate her life will be held at a later date at the cottage.

The Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.