Obit: Schlief-Trampush, Mara J. (1989? - 2013)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Schlief, Trampush, Brice, Devine, McDaniel

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 04 Sep 2013

Schlief-Trampush, Mara J. (1989? - 28 AUG 2013)

Mara Justine Schlief-Trampush, 24, Greenwood, daughter of Warren and Carolyn Trampush, tragically departed from her family on Aug. 28, 2013, in a car accident.

Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 30, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Greenwood. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Aug. 31, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Loyal. Rev. Steve Brice officiated. A luncheon of Mara's favorite foods -- Mac-n-Cheese, pulled pork, cheesy potatoes and baked beans -- along with a balloon release of special messages to Mara, was held afterwards.

Born in St. Paul, Minn., Mara grew up on the family farm and attended school in Greenwood, until graduating in 2008, when she entered Marquette University, Milwaukee, to pursue a degree in social welfare and justice. Receiving her bachelor's degree in 2012, Mara was accepted as a full scholarship recipient into the UW-Madison School of Social Work & Title lV-E Child Welfare Program. She finished the first of two years to complete her master's degree. Mara knew her path in life, and never wanting to back down from a challenge, was determined to reach every goal that she set, proving to those who doubted her abilities that all things are possible when you set your mind to it. She loved showing her pleasure horse, Kindee, through local clubs, and her two dogs, Baley and Willow, in obedience and showmanship through 4-H. Mara received countless awards of trophies, ribbons and plaques from open shows as well as state competitions where she received several reserve and grand champions. Her love for animals was equal to her love of children. She babysat during her summers, beginning at age 12, for the Elmer girls, and continued to care for children throughout her high school years at Appletree Preschool when she completed the course requirements for lead teacher. Mara's energy was unmatched by many. She was always on the hunt for a bargain, could recite entire scripts of her favorite movies and TV shows, loved Sunday morning breakfasts after church at her Grandma Trampush's house, and enjoyed social gatherings with her high school friends -- Holly, Courtney, Briana and Storm -- as well as with
her college friends -- Catie, Karli, Justine and Britta. But most of all, Mara loved spending time with her little sister, Lainy, her brother, Dane, and her mom and dad. Mara could always be seen accompanied by Craig Devine, for he truly was the love of her life. Mara had a passion for life and people of all ages. She was never short of words, full of humor and wit, willing to lend a hand at a moment's notice while
always carrying a smile that would light up a room. Her spirit was contagious and all who came into contact with her, knew her. She was genuine, and she left an impression of warmth and caring wherever she went. She will be so greatly missed by her family, Craig's family, the communities of Greenwood and Loyal, and close family and friends in Hudson.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Henry Trampush; her grandmother, DeLores Schlief; and her aunt, Anita (Schlief) McDaniel.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. 

Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, assisted the family with arrangements