Obit: Geiss, Mary A. (1952 - 2006)

Transcribed by: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Geiss, Schenzel, West, Schwartzman, Rehwinkle, Plautz, Eckhart

---Source: Foto News (Merrill, Lincoln County, Wis.) Wednesday, 18 Oct. 2006; page 10

---Geiss, Mary A. (5 Sept. 1952 - 14 Oct. 2006)

Mary A. Geiss

Mary A. Geiss, 54, of W5443 Zastrow Ln., Merrill, died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, at her home under the care of her family.

Mary was born Sept. 5, 1952, in Merrill, daughter of Marvin Schenzel and the late Ruthmae (West) Schenzel. She married Jerry Geiss on March 26, 1983. He survives.

Mary graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1970. She received her B.S. degree in communicative disorders from UW Eau Claire in 1974 and her masters degree from UW Oshkosh in early childhood/exceptional educational needs in Dec. 1989. After graduating from Eau Claire in 1974, Mary was employed by CESA 9 as a speech/language pathologist from 1974-1976. She was employed by the Merrill Area Public Schools from 1976 to the present. Mary also attended numerous conferences and workshops on autism, which she shared with many of her colleagues in the Merrill school system.She was a member of St. Stephen's United Church of Christ, Merrill, the North Central Special Olympics Area Management Team, the Merrill Bowling Hall of Fame, the Merrill Eagle's Auxiliary, the Autism Society of America, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the Wisconsin Speech/Language/Hearing Association. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed working with special needs children and their families, with special interest in autism; the Special Olympics; and spending time with her family.

Besides her husband Jerry Geiss and her father Marvin Schenzel, both of Merrill, Mary is survived by her son Brad (Sue Schwartzman), Merrill; and daughter Jennifer (Chad) Rehwinkle, Wausau; grandchildren Brady Geiss and Nicholas Rehwinkle; and a granddaughter that is due to be born in January 2007 and will be named Elizabeth Mary Rehwinkle. Also surviving are her sister Linda (Bryan) Plautz, Merrill; and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and cousins. Besides her mother Ruthmae Schenzel, she was preceded in death by a brother Keith in infancy.

Mary's funeral was Tuesday, Oct., 17, at St. Stephen's United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rev. Earl Eckhart officiated. A private family committal service was held on Wednesday in Merrill Memorial Park. The Taylor & Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Lincoln County Respite Planning Committee, which supports children with autistic needs. These memorials may be sent to Kathy McCoy, 1706- E. Third St., Merrill, WI 54452. Mary's family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their wonderful care and support, especially Barb Dalland, RN, and Pastor Steve Russell.

When I am gone, release me, let me go, I have many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy we had so many years. I gave you my love and you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown. But now it's time I traveled alone. So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must. Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a while that we must part. So bless those memories in your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear all of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and, "Welcome Home."

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