Racine – Mary Jo Willis, age 84, beloved wife of Robert “Bob” Willis and dear mother of David (Nancy) Willis, Ann Marie (Thomas) Suchla, Cathleen (Jeffrey) Wenzel and Carolyn (Michael) Lee; passed away peacefully at Ridgewood Care Center on Sunday, January 31, 2016.
Mary Joan Oberst was born in Racine on September 23, 1931 to the late Frank and Marie (nee: DeRyke) Oberst. She graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1951. Shortly after, she met the love of her life, Robert Raymond Willis. After Bob returned from serving our country with the US Army in the Korean War, they were married on June 18, 1955 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
During her working career, Mary Jo was employed by Twin Disc and Bank of Elmwood. However, her true vocation in life was being a “Happy Homemaker”. Mary Jo was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and Altar Society; and the Twin Disc 20-Year Club. She was a phenomenal seamstress, knitter, gardener and cook. Above all, she was completely devoted to her family and loved spending time with all her loved ones – especially her adored grandchildren.
Surviving are her loving husband of over 60 years, Bob; their children, David (Nancy) Willis, Ann Marie (Thomas) Suchla, Cathleen (Jeffrey) Wenzel and Carolyn (Michael) Lee; grandchildren, Nicholas (Jennifer) Willis, Andrew (Amber) Willis; Patrick, Anthony, Joseph and Emma Suchla; Maria, Olivia, Samantha and Zachary Wenzel; Jack, Matthew and Ryan Lee; great-grandchildren, Carter, Mila and Eli Willis; brother, John (Vickie) Oberst; sister-in-law, Judy Oberst; brother-in-law, Richard (Karen) Willis; her lifelong “Club Girls”; other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention by name.
In addition to her parents, Mary Jo was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank and Keith Oberst; sister, Kathryn (John) DeVroy; sister-in-law, Marie Willis; nephew, Jeff Willis, and niece, Lynn (Oberst) Nelson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 6:00 pm in Saint Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Private interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to St. Catherine’s High School has been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Mary Jo’s special caregiver, Lorie, for the compassionate care and support given during the past several months.
Paul Oberst says
Dear Uncle Bob and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless all of you and help you through this very sad time. Love Paul and Dee Oberst.
Kathy Rivers Abernethy says
My deepest sympathy to the Willis family on the death of your wife, mom, grandmother and great grandmother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chuck & Marsha Johnson says
Our sincere sympathy to the entire family from both of us.