Molly McGinnis

Molly Margaret McGinnis, 45, passed away while giving birth to her sixth child doing what she loved doing most, being a mom. Born in Appleton, Wisconsin, May 22, 1975 to Bill and Peg McGinnis, Molly was a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, counselor, partner, and friend.

A 1993 graduate of Appleton West H.S., Molly earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse (‘97) and her Masters degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (‘99). She was a School Psychologist for the Appleton Area School District from 1999-2015 before moving to the Little Chute School District from 2016 until the time of her death. She was a fierce advocate for all kids and would go to any length to meet kids where they were in order to get them where they needed to go.

Being a mom was her most special role and she relished everything about it. She was competitive, clutch, and a ray of sunshine whose quick wit and smile were radiant and infectious. She loved family, Coca-Cola, babies, celebrations, chick flicks, TJ Maxx, hearing people’s stories and was addicted to thrifting before it was cool. She also loved hot yoga, a relaxing run or walk, watching her kids in all of their various performances and activities and living her faith in ways that have created a deep-rooted faith in her own children grounded in love, kindness, humility, and courage. She was a First Team All-American painting nails, providing the safest and warmest hugs, tickling backs, doing hair, and lathering on cherry almond “Mom lotion”. She loved family dinners where her kids choked down one of her homemade casseroles and scolded her for chewing so loudly. She was a world class secret keeper, proofreader, banana chocolate chip muffin maker, and chocolate chip bar creator. She loved celebrations of any kind where her handmade posters were present, balloons were flying, candles were blown, games were played, and laughs were abundant.  She was without question the best gift-giver….they were always personal, memorable, and oozing with love. She put her life on hold for her kids at any moment, did endless behind-the-scenes acts of kindness for so many, and brought people what they needed when they didn’t even know they needed it.

Molly is survived by her parents, partner Ryan Schroeder and their kids, Mazie Margaret and Drew Walker; ex-husband JP Larson and their kids, Lindsey, Lauren, Landon, and Lexy Larson. Siblings: Kelly (Bill) Van Daalwk, Clintonville, Brian (Jean) McGinnis, Appleton, Kerry (Dan) Brockmann, Waterford,  Mark (Jen) McGinnis, Appleton, and Scooter (Lori) McGinnis, Appleton. Nieces and nephews: Patrick and Jansen Van Daalwyk, Elle and Ian Blaney, Nathaniel, Bridget, and Andrew Brockmann, Patrick, Maggie, and Preston McGinnis, Cal, Megan, Katelyn, and Brooke McGinnis. Ryan’s parents Steve and Dianne Schroeder, (Appleton), Ryan’s brother, Kyle,(Las Vegas). She leaves behind so many cousins, aunts and uncles, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Patrick and Agnes Toal, Vernon and Alice (Papa) McGinnis, Uncle Patrick Toal, Aunt Mary Jane McGinnis, and nephew Benjamin Brockmann. Molly (and her infamous smile) will be greatly missed by all those who were lucky enough to know her.

A public visitation will be held for Molly on Friday, January 15, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Appleton (404 W. Lawrence St.). All attendees must be prepared to wear masks and observe social distancing. The service for Molly will be livestreamed at her obituary page at www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 16, 2021 and also available to be viewed later at that same link.

Memorials may be directed to the “Molly McGinnis Memorial Fund” and mailed to Nicolet National Bank at 201 E College Ave., Appleton, WI 54911.

“Love may not conquer all things……But in the end, LOVE MAKES ALL THINGS RIGHT!”