Desch, Mary

Other Events:

• Obituary: 9 May 2018; APC

Notes:

Obituary:
Kimberly - Mary H. Van Gompel, age 76, passed away Friday, May 4, 2018. Mary was born March 11, 1942, and was the daughter of the late Anthony and Amelia (Boehm) Desch. Mary grew up in Menasha, WI and called that home for most of her life. Mary lived life everyday to the fullest and her family and friends were important to her. Her time living in Menominee County, WI on Moshawquit Lake was probably the most cherished in her life. Her joys were golfing, fishing, camping, kayaking, gardening, taking long walks, watching the birds, sitting on the dock or being near the water, gathering by the campfire making s'mores with chocolate frosting or just doing anything without a roof over her head. Mary loved to tell stories about and thoroughly enjoyed her employment at Bob's Red Owl grocery store in Menasha. Mary was one of the original "Red Owl Ladies" until her retirement in 1984. Mary married Marcellus Van Gompel on September 29, 1989. On that day two of the most generous, caring, and thoughtful people began their journey of always helping others. Together they were devoted to their faith and distributed communion, sang in the church choir and visited the sick and elderly through the Paul Care program at St. Paul's Parish in Combined Locks, WI. Mary and Marc were also mentors to Doreen Boyd from Neopit, WI and Jo-Anne Waite from Texas.
Mary is survived by her husband and best friend, Marc. Mary and her first husband, George Michalkiewicz (deceased), had three children: Susan (Dan) Stanczak of Menasha and their children: Tanya (fiance Marcus) Belknap, Heather and Amber (significant other Brice); Daniel (Patricia) Michalkiewicz of Appleton and their children: Marissa and Mason; and Tony (Kim Edens) Michalkiewicz of Rochester, MN. Mary welcomed in her extended family of Marc's three sons: Russ (Mary Jo) Van Gompel of Winneconne and their children: Marc (Andrea) and Matt; Greg (Conni) Van Gompel of Savage, MN and their daughter, Jenna, and her children: Lily and Rose; and Tim (Carol) Van Gompel of Green Bay and his children: Cassie and Samantha and Carol's two children: Jennifer (Joel) Thompson, and their children: Brianna and Brody; Danielle (significant other Bill) Peterson and their child: Gabriel She is also survived by two sisters and a brother-in-law: Darlene Havel of Louisville, KY and JoAnne (Loras) Sabers of Peosta, IA. Also surviving in Marc's family: Lynda (Norb) Weyers, Pete Schmalz and Catherine Van Gompel; and many other blended family members and friends.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her infant sister Carol Ann; and brothers and sisters-in-law: James Havel, Josie (Herb) Lom, Millie (Bob) Walker, Jenny Schmalz, Dick (Audrey), James and Hank Van Gompel.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 10, 2018, at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 410 Wallace St., Combined Locks, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.
Mary's family extends a special thank you to the staff at Prairie Homes, House of Joy and ThedaCare at Home Hospice nurses, especially Mary B., Judy and Claudia.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent from May 6 to May 9, 2018

Mary married VanGompel, Marcellus (son of VanGompel, Anton H. and Jansen, Marie) [Group Sheet]