Obit: Frei, Mary Jane (1932 - 2022)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Frei, Schuld, Raine, Noeldner, Pagenkopf, Michaud

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/26/2022

Frei, Mary Jane (24 February 1932 – 24 May 2022)

Mary Jane Frei, age 90, of Eau Claire, formerly of Neillsville, died Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.

Mary Jane was born February 24, 1932, at Loyal, in Clark County. She was the daughter of George and Angeline (Schuld) Frei. At a young age, she moved with her parents to a farm in Pine Valley Township, south of Neillsville, Wisconsin. She attended Hiawatha grade school, grades one through six and then she attended St. Mary's Catholic school, grades seven and eight. In 1948, she moved with her parents to Neillsville and attended Neillsville High School and graduated in 1950.

In July of 1949, she was stricken with polio which left her mostly confined to a wheelchair and used leg braces and crutches. In 1951, she moved to Eau Claire, to attend vocational school (now known as Chippewa Valley Technical College). In 1952, she started employment at the Eau Claire Leader Telegram and retired from there after 39 years in 1991.

The highlight of her life, was when she bought her first car, equipped with hand controls in 1958.

Mary Jane enjoyed her home and had many friends. She loved corresponding with letters to her many friends and relatives. She also had a nice doll collection.

She is survived by her sister, Beverly (James) Raine, many nieces, nephews, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Roseline (Norbert) Noeldner, Lucille (George) Pagenkopf, two brothers, Edward, and Leo (Marge) and three nephews.

Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville, from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 31. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Father Gregory Michaud will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Mary Jane’s family with funeral arrangements.

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