Mariesther Lou LaRocco

Mariesther L. LaRocco
Appleton
Age 90, passed away on Monday March 26, 2007 at Rennes Health Center. Mari was born May 14, 1916 in Clearwater, Kansas, daughter of the late Zell and Cecile (Buckingham) Matthews. In her early years Mari lived in Kansas, Florida, and California, where she met John T. LaRocco, whom she married in 1946. He preceded her in death in 1999. Mari enjoyed reading novels, and watching classic movies, most notably “Naughty Marietta” (1935). In the mid 1940’s, she was trained to pilot a small plane. During WWII she served as a drill sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol. She had a killer pizza recipe, made a fabulous pot roast, and a terrific chocolate cake. Friends and family enjoyed her incredible sense of humor and her comic timing! She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and is survived by her children: John (Barb Wagner) LaRocco, Appleton, Teresa (Lyle Krehbiel) LaRocco, Leawood, Kansas, and Steven LaRocco, Springfield, Missouri, and 2 grandchildren: Ross LaRocco, LaCrosse, Wisconsin and Olivia LaRocco, Springfield, Missouri, and a cousin, Mary Lou Woods, Wichita, Kansas. Mari lived the last 61 years of her life in Wisconsin, and the last 5 in Appleton, where she made several new close friends, including, Bev, Carmen, Connie, and others in the Ridgeview Highlands Apartment Complex.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2007 from 4:30 to 6:00 P.M. at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Appleton. Brief Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 30, at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds will be established in the name of two of her favorite charities, Paralyzed Veterans, and St. Jude’s Hospital.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior St.
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com