Mary E. York
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arkdale, Wisconsin. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate. Interment will follow at Monroe Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin, and again on Saturday at the church from 12:00 Noon until the time of service.
Mary was born on September 22, 1936, in Adams County, Wisconsin, to Edward and Mabel (Berrian) Koehler. She graduated from Adams-Friendship High School and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. On September 28, 1957, Mary married Chester E. York at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adams, Wisconsin. Mary devoted much of her life to her family and the family farm. In addition to being a hardworking farmer’s wife, she enjoyed working as a cook at the Petenwell Pub and, more recently, at Spot-in-the-Woods, where she made the best pizza and many friends throughout the years. This is also where she met Jim Smith, her companion of 15 years.
Mary had a wide variety of interests and enjoyed keeping busy. She loved dancing, gardening, sewing, snowmobiling, playing Bunco, and making wedding cakes. She especially enjoyed watching the deer in her backyard and cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events. Above all, Mary treasured time spent with her family and the many friendships she made throughout her life.
Mary was actively involved in her community, serving as a 4-H leader and sewing leader. She was also a member of the Homemakers Club, Monroe Center Ladies Aid, the Roche-A-Cri Lions Club, and her Bunco group. Through her many activities and friendships, Mary became a familiar and beloved presence in the Arkdale and Monroe Center communities.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Chet; parents, Edward and Mabel Koehler; grandson, Devin Last; siblings, Betty (Robert) Waldo, Ed (Florence) Koehler, and in-laws Jessie & Irwin York.
Survivors include her children, Nancy (Gordy), Carol (Terry), and Janet (Jeff); grandchildren, Kevin (Viki), Craig (Teresa), Elizabeth (Matt), Duane (Anna), Jason, and Carrie; great-grandchildren, Jayden (Makayla), Mattox (Kenlee), Brittney (Clayton), Gunnar (Callie), Cahleel, Logan, Ethan, Anessa, Leo, Oliver, Tresten, Xavior, Seth, T.J., Skylar, and Cohen; great-great-grandchildren, Kollyns and Reed; and brother, Bob (Joyce). She is further survived by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, other relatives, and friends.
Mary was truly an icon in the Arkdale/Monroe Center communities. Her friendly spirit, dedication to her family, and involvement in the lives of those around her will be fondly remembered. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community she called home.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
So very sorry for your family’s loss, a wonderful lady