Marie E. Dushenski, age 88, of Omro, was set free Saturday morning, July 26, 2008, at Aurora Medical Center. She was born February 28, 1920, in Poygan, the daughter of Joseph and Edna (Flanigan) Jungwirth. Marie married Harry H. Dushenski on October 2, 1944, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Omro.
Her loving and devoted husband preceded her in death just 3 months ago. Marie is survived by her children, Mark Dushenski of Wautoma, Teckla (Edward) Smietanski of Oklahoma, Jill (Dan) Glocke of Wautoma, Chris (Lori) Dushenski of Omro, Joan (Ron) Albright of Omro and Diane Dushenski of Sherwood; grandchildren, Jackie (Matt) Lebouton, Jennifer (David) Brewer, Nathan (Portia) Smietanski, Aaron (Amanda) Smietanski, Rhoda Smietanski, Joseph (Alana) Smietanski, Andrew Smietanski, Jeremy (Teresa) Glocke, Jason Glocke, Josh (Stephanie) Glocke, Carrie Dushenski (fiancé Shawn), Adam Dushenski (fiancée Kassy), Angela (David) Dodd, Brad (Andrea) Albright, Jacob Albright(fiancée Jami), Hannah Albright, Cody Albright; 14 great grandchildren; sisters, Jean Stracke, Suzanne Tyler; brother, Gordon Jungwirth; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harry, her son, Alan; sisters, Margaret (Theodore Hopp), Betty (Gordon) Hunter; brother, Joseph Jungwirth, Sr. (Zona); as well as sister in law, Betty Jungwirth and brothers in law, Victor Stracke and Donald Tyler.
Marie graduated as valedictorian from Omro High School in May of 1938. She attended and graduated in 1940 from the State Teachers College in Oshkosh. While in college, she was active in Alpha Chi and played on their women's basketball team. She also played on the WAA basketball team in 1940. She taught at the Skelton Bridge School in the Town of Vinland for a few years and worked at Oshkosh B-Gosh prior to her marriage. She enjoyed playing softball in the late 1930's on the Speed Queen team, playing cards (especially Nurtz with family and friends), fishing, gardening, canning, clipping coupons, making homemade birthday signs and cards. She especially enjoyed the many hours spent with her grandchildren. Family gatherings required Mom's famous macaroni and cheese and cranberry/apple salad.
For the past nine years, Marie lived courageously with Alzheimer's at the Omro Care Center, where she was comforted by the daily visits and loving care of her devoted husband, Harry. She died following a sudden onset of an illness not related to Alzheimer's.
In respect to Marie's memory, the family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the Omro Funeral Home from 4:00 P.M. until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 P.M. with Rev. Joseph Mattern officiating. Marie will be laid to rest in the Omro Cemetery at 11:30 A.M. on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at the Omro Care Center, and the nurses at Aurora Medical Center, 2-North.