Mara Schellpfeffer

Mara Lynn (Wakefield) Schellpfeffer, age 84 of Onalaska, died unexpectedly in the early morning hours of November 19, 2023. She was born on July 6, 1939 to Dr. Guy F. and Dorothy R. Wakefield. She met her husband of nearly 60 years, Rodney L. Schellpfeffer while attending Madison General Nursing School in Madison, WI. After graduating, they married on September 10, 1960 at her parents' home in West Salem. They had two daughters, Jody (Queak) Every of La Crosse, and Jacqueline (Rodney) Bixby of Neillsville.

Mara worked as a registered nurse at Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse and then later as Assistant Director of Nursing at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem until she retired.

Mara and Rod enjoyed many hours on the river in their houseboat, as well as spending time with their friends in their boat slip at the French Island Yacht Club.

Mara was preceded in death by her husband Rodney, her parents and two of her three siblings. She is survived by her two daughters, a sister Paula (Rodney) Ristow, three grandchildren Julie (Karl) Weller, Ryan Koenig and Lucas Koenig. She has three great grandchildren, Kinsley, Kora and Katie Weller.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, donations to La Crescent Animal Rescue in her honor would be preferred. She always had a spot in her heart for the shelter, where she got her last black lab, Beaugart.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Mara's family with funeral arrangements.