Mary Walsh

Mary Cecilia (Oettinger) Walsh, age 92, joined her beloved husband Ralph “Mickey” Walsh in heaven on October 15, 2019, surrounded by her loving children.

Mary was born in Crandon, Wisconsin on March 23, 1927. She was the first born to Arthur and Cecilia (Long) Oettinger. Her father was subsequently transferred by the railroad to Kaukauna, where the family resided on Doty Street. Being the oldest child in the family, Mary frequently provided care for her younger siblings.

Mary attended Kaukauna High School. While going to school, she worked at Gustman Chevrolet and Rohloff Manufacturing. She graduated in 1944, as valedictorian of her senior class. Following graduation, she worked briefly as a secretary at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. She returned to Kaukauna where she married the love of her life, Mickey Walsh. Mary also worked as the Office Manager at the Kaukauna Clinic from which she retired.

She loved traveling with her family. A special trip was to Europe with her parents.

Mary and her good friend and neighbor, Rosemary Aerts were instrumental in preserving Grignon Park here in the city of Kaukauna.

Mary had a talent for singing and playing the piano. She could easily harmonize to any song. Her family has many memories of gathering together in the family room, dancing and singing to the Golden Oldies. She and Mickey enjoyed many golf outings with special friends at Country Side Golf Course.

Mary was a very loving mother and grandmother. She always encouraged her children to do their best at any of their activities and pursuits. Mary delighted in cheering on her grandchildren at their many sporting events.

Mary is survived by her son: Michael Walsh, a daughter: Kathy (Don) Grissman; her grandchildren are Bryan (Ali) Grissman, Kevin (Tammy) Grissman, Meghan (Lee) Walsh-Stika and Gareth Walsh; and her great-grandchildren are Ayla and Josephine Stika. She is also survived by a brother: James Oettinger as well as sisters Janet (John) DeYoung, Dawn Killian, Carol Geenen and a foster sister Judy Gerrits.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her daughter Roberta, as well as brothers: Joe (Lonnie) Oettinger and Thomas Oettinger, a foster brother Ronald Welter, brothers-in-law: Thomas Killian and Don Geenen. She was also preceded by her husband’s family: Harold (Louise) Walsh, Helen (Lorenz) Meyer, Grace (Roy) Lutzow, Doris Walsh, and Gladys (Jack) Keough.

A special thank you to her neighbors Marcie and Mitch Vandenbroek who held constant watch over her. As well as many heartfelt thank you’s to her caregivers Lisa Van Daalwyk – Sutta, Joyce Rettler, and Cheryl Dotterweich, who with their loving care helped fulfill her wish to stay at home. They are three angels who are now part of our family. No words could possibly express our gratitude.

Mary Walsh’s Funeral Liturgy will be held Saturday, October 19, 2019, at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, located at 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna, with Fr. Donald Everts officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the hour of the service.

Mom – I am trying to take comfort in knowing you are finally back with Dad because you missed him so. I've heard stories of when I was young – how we were “joined at the hip,” Well I can honestly say that continued on. We used to joke how “we made a good team.” So thank you for your strength through the ups and downs of life, always caring about your family, making sure they were safe and happy. Thank you for your unwavering love, constant hugs, and “I love you's.” These memories will always fill my heart. So one last time Mom, “I love ya, love ya, love ya.” – Your Nan