Mary J. Stakston

Mary J. Stakston, 75 of rural Westby, died peacefully at home Monday January 27, 2014 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born September 26, 1938 to John and Elsie (Mason) Sisbach Sr. in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Mary was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Chaseburg. She graduated from Viroqua High School in 1956. Mary was united in marriage to Allan Stakston on November 3, 1956 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. After a brief time in Chicago, the couple farmed in Timber Coulee until 1984. She then worked for Northern Engraving followed by the Trane Company before retiring. She was a member of the Coon Valley Lutheran Church and the Anna Circle.

Mary loved God and her family. Her strong faith helped her through the trials of life including adjusting to a new way of life after Allan's disability. She was proud of her children and her 14 grandchildren which included two high school valedictorians and other significant scholar and athletic accomplishments. She will be watching from above the growth of her youngest grandchild and 11 great grandchildren. Mary was an ingenious cook who could, if needed, make an old shoe taste good. She will be remembered for her various foods for family gatherings, cookies, and, of course, her donuts. A tin of donuts and cookies could always be found in her freezer.

Survivors include 6 children Gwen (Paul) Bahr of Coon Valley, Curtis (Linda) of Westby, Peggy (Curtis) Dunnum of Viroqua, Rachel (Brian) Pederson of Bangor, Sheila (Dennis) Scharping of Good Thunder, MN and Christal (Clay) Kanieski of La Crosse; 14 grandchildren Samantha (Matt) White, Garrett and Marissa Bahr, Justin (Jackie) Stakston, Jennifer (Carlos) Briseno, Melinda (David) Marsh, Allison (Brandon) Williamson, Jeffrey (fiancAC. Emelia Baker) Dunnum and Chelsea Dunnum, Elissa (Josh) Kinstler, Erin Pederson, Zach and Cecelia Scharping and Amber Kanieski; 11 great grandchildren Amalia and Brisha Briseno, Sawyer and Griffin Stakston, Nevaeh and Tyler Marsh, Evan Williamson, Malana and Milo Kinstler, Emmitt Weiker and Alexis White; a brother John (Anna Marie) Sisbach; a sister-in-law Beatrice (Alden) Olson and a brother-in-law Orrin (Becky) Stakston and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Allan in 2008; and her sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Noah Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday January 30, 2014 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com.