Mary E. Thornton

Mary E. Thornton, 88, of Chippewa Falls, died Friday, November 3, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her loving family under the care of St. Joseph’s Hospice.

                Mary was born May 11, 1935 in Bemidji, MN the daughter of Valentine and Eleanor (Ryder) Kuechenmeister. She graduated from McDonell High School in 1953. Mary worked in various restaurants as a waitress for 30 years. Mary was a member of the P.C.C.W. of Notre Dame and the 3rd Order of the Secular Franciscans, and Notre Dame Church for 80 years where she served as a sacristan.

                On July 18, 1953, Mary married John “Jack” Thornton, Sr. at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.  

                Mary enjoyed gardening, and she cherished spending time with family and friends.

                Mary is survived by two sons, Matthew and John Thornton, Jr. both of Chippewa Falls; five daughters, Nancy (Rick Zillmer) Thornton of Altoona, Sandra (Denis) Winrich of Chippewa Falls, Mary Kay (Derek) Else of Dover, NH, Theresa (Jesse Roettger) of Jim Falls, and Catherine (Kurt) Mercer of Cadott; daughter-in-law, Kathy Thornton of Chippewa Falls; special niece, Ellen Olson of Chippewa Falls; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

                Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” Thornton, Sr.; one son, Mark; her parents; six brothers, John, Val, David, William, Richard, and Lawrence Kuechenmeister; and five sisters, Joyce Corrigan, Josephine Burkett, Barbara and Jean Kuechenmeister, and Eleanor Sande.

                Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 8 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. The Very Rev. Jesse Burish will be celebrant of the funeral Mass. Interment will be in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.

                Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7 at the Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls. There will be a Christian vigil service at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE: 

Funeral services for Mary E. Thornton were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 8 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.

                The Very Rev. Jesse Burish was celebrant of the funeral Mass assisted by Mass server, Mike Korger. Interment was in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.

                Music during the Mass was provided by Beth Martinek and Sue Van de Loo. Readings were given by Cathy Mercer and Sandra Winrich. Gift bearers were Amber Nicholson and Nicole Schlageter.

                Casket bearers were Cole Boggess, Catherine and Zachary Mercer, Craig and Dan Thornton, John Thornton, Jr., Matt and Theresa Thornton.

                Tuesday evening Rev. Burish led the family, relatives and friends in a Christian vigil service at the funeral home.

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