Mary M. Risberg, age 89, of Whitehall, died on Saturday, December 1, 2018 in the Gundersen Tri-County Care Center in Whitehall.

Mary was the youngest child of Anton and Barbara (Theisen) Dworschak, born October 7, 1929 on the family farm in Cook Valley, Buffalo County, WI.  She was always happy to share her childhood memories of growing up in the Town of Montana with five brothers; Archie, Rudolph, Laverne, Marcellus and Simon, and two sisters; Florence and Delores.  Her Dad was a well respected farmer with natural engineering talents.  The family belonged to the Waumandee Catholic Church and Mary attended and boarded at the elementary school there.  Her family moved to Arcadia when her parents retired from farming.  Mary graduated from the Arcadia High School and she so enjoyed getting together with her high school friends each year.  Mary has a very special niece, Jan Dworschak, who was a regular visitor frequently taking her to church services and breakfast.

Quinn Risberg, from Whitehall, swept Mary off her feet and they married May 23, 1953 at Our Lady's Catholic Church in Arcadia, WI.  They resided in Whitehall with their three boys; Jay (Dana), Mark (Marilyn) and Todd (Rachel).  Mary loved her Thumper, the family's large Bassett Hound that still comes up in many humorous family stories.  When the boys were little, they were one of the first families to build a new home in the "new" Sunset Addition, and made this their lifelong home.  In his early 30's, Quinn was struck with Multiple Sclerosis and he and Mary determinedly managed a full life with love, routines and teamwork.  They were a positive role model for their family.

Mary worked outside the home once the boys were in school.  She was bookkeeper and office staff for Pientok Construction, Tri-County Memorial Hospital and later with the City of Whitehall as assistant to the City Clerk for many years.  She loved working there and especially enjoyed her co-workers;   Lynn Johnson, Everett Berg, Barb Johnson, Mary Pientok and many others.  Mary was known for her walking, whether downtown to the post office and grocery store, to St. John's Catholic Church, or just for enjoyment.

Mary and Quinn also owned Quinn's Bar on Main Street in Whitehall, bought from Quinn's mother after the passing of his father.  It had been one of the first bars opened in town the day after prohibition was lifted.  There is a great sense of pride the history of this bar held for the family.

After retirement, Mary and Quinn purchased a lovely home on Musky Bay, on Lake Lac Oreilles.  They spent half each year there, enjoying the lake and watching many beautiful sunsets together from their lakeside deck.  Her favorite times were visits from family when she could share this special place with her children and grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings.  In addition to her children, she is survived by her five grandchildren; Madison Risberg, Elissa (Brian) Fischer, Miranda (Sal) Terracciano, Kelly (Mike) Giedd and Chad (Erica) Risberg.  She also has nine great-grandchildren; Liam, Ella and Aiden Fischer; Nicolo Terracciano; Noell, Ruby and Bennett Giedd; Gunnar and Zoey Risberg.  Mary dearly loves her family and they all love her!  She was a very special lady.

Special thanks to the Tri-County Senior Living and Tri-County Nursing Home Staff for your amazing care these past couple years and to St. Croix Hospice for your care and support.

Private family services will be held.

The Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall is assisting the family with arrangements.