MARY ALESCH
November 22, 1926 - July 02, 2017
Obituary
Mary Jane Alesch, of Menasha, age 90, passed peacefully on Sunday, July 2, 2017 surrounded by family. She was born November 22, 1926, daughter of the late Ray and Mary (Podolski) Schrage.
Mary graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1944 and was a life-long member of the parish. After graduation, Mary went to work for Kimberly Clark in R&D. She met Donald G. Alesch while at work and they married on September 6, 1947. Mary left her job in order to adopt her three children: Kathy, Karen, and Don Jr. When the children were old enough, Mary went back to work and spent 15 years working at the coffee shop at Theda Clark Hospital as one of the “coffee shop girls”.
Mary's greatest pleasure was spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed playing bingo, gambling, reading, playing cards, going to movies and eating out. Her daily rosary and prayers were an important part of her life.
Survivors include her three children: Kathy, Karen, and Don Jr.; a sister Loretta DeKleyn; sister-in-law Marge Alesch; nieces Linda (Gib) Mueller and Lisa (Brad) Waldoch; nephew Richard (Jean) DeKleyn, special friends Diane Dushenski, Judy Lindbom, Millie Johnson, Peggy Guyette, and Corky Weber.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Donald; two brothers, Richard and Fr. Frank Schrage; a brother-in-law, Ted DeKleyn; nephew Tom DeKleyn; as well as Donald's brothers and sisters.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the caregivers and staff at Rennes Health and Rehab Center and all of her doctors at Theda Care. Also a special thank you to mom's neighbor Jeff Dionne who was always there to help.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 7, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 528 Second St., Menasha, with Fr. Paul Paider officiating. The visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Don and Mary Alesch Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley, 4455 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, WI 54914.