Mary H. Wirch, 71, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie surrounded by her loving family.Born on September 3, 1948 in Monticello, AK; she grew up in Texas and Iowa, but considered Lost Nation, IA to be her hometown. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Edwin and Margaret (Wright) Hancock. She graduated from Millikin University and earned her Master’s degree from National Louis University. She moved to Kenosha in 1970. On June 24, 1972, she married Robert Wirch in Waukon, IA in a little white church on a hill. She was employed by the Waukegan School District as an art teacher for 34 years until her retirement in 2005.Mary was an active member of The First Presbyterian Church of Kenosha. She sang in their choir for over 40 years and enjoyed helping with many groups and events. She was an outstanding volunteer at Kemper Center, and for ten years she loved helping decorate the Durkee Mansion in 1860s Christmas themes. She is survived by her husband, Robert W. Wirch; two children David Wirch of Ridgewood, NY and Julia (Thomas Calkins III) Wirch of Twin Lakes, WI; and four siblings, Hugh Hancock, Susan (Robert) Noth, Sarah (Jerry Hergert) Hancock, and Eileen (Scott) Mabee. She is further survived by many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mary’s family was very important to her and she cherished their time spent together. Mary believed strongly in the power of decency, compassion, and inclusion; she enriched those she knew and tried to add a little beauty wherever she went. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020 at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at The First Presbyterian Church of Kenosha, 1803 83rdStreet, Kenosha, WI 53143 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Grace Welcome Center would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111 60th St. 262 654 3533Visit & Sign Mary’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Maggie Meeks-Bosanko
March 7, 2020
Bob, while I have visited with you many times, at the Recplex, I only had the honor of meeting your wife, Mary, twice. Once at your fundraiser last fall (2019) and more recently at the Durkee Mansion. Even though I only met her twice, I could tell that she had a beautiful soul. I am sure she contributed so much to this world and spread joy wherever she went. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Hugs!
Christina Perez-Anderson
March 7, 2020
Bob, my sincere condolences to you and family. I learned today Mrs. Wirch passed away. I never tried two & two together. You worked closely with my husband Craig at the Brass. I attended Jack Benny 1972 & 1973. I had your wife as my art teacher. She was a wonderful, patient, kind & talented woman. I am truly sorry for your loss. Keeping you & everyone in my daily prayers.
Padehahn@yahoo.com
March 7, 2020
Bob, my condolences to you and your family! My heart felt sympathy and prayers! Phil DeHahn
Kristen Benetti-Hassler
March 6, 2020
From the Benetti Family to the Wirch Family, our deepest condolences. Our 2 families go way back to when my oldest brother and their son were in cub scouts together. Bob, David, and Julia, you are in my prayers.~Kristen Benetti
Jeanne M. Dwyer
March 6, 2020
Mary was one of my best friends all through high school and beyond! We kept in touch over the years through letters and phone calls and events in Lost Nation when we could! I am sooo sad to hear of her death and send my thoughts and prayers to her family during this difficult time. Rest In Peace my friend.
Yolanda Adams
March 5, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Wirch family. Peace be with beloved Mary and her familia.
Pam Drummond
March 5, 2020
Bob, My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Daniel L. Stika
March 3, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family. I was fortunate to have met Mary on several occasions and was impressed by her sincerity. Her husband Bob and I go way back together.
Laura A Wideburg
March 3, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family. I was in her art classes at Benny and still remember them as some of my happiest hours there. Her love for the arts and her encouragement remain with me over 40 years later.
Jan Leasure
March 3, 2020
Such a tragedy! My deepest condolences Bob & family. I will always remember our great years teaching at Jack Benny. Mary, such a beautiful creative soul inside & out. God’s Speed.
Robert & Bridgett Blackwood
March 3, 2020
My husband and I very much Enjoyed our conversations with Mary. She is a lovely women with a beautiful loving spirit. Sending all our love and condolences to the family❤️
David Wright
March 3, 2020
I had her for a teacher at Jack Benny,She was always kind to us.I looked forward to her class.Prayers to her family,she made a difference.
Kathy (Riley) & Mike Petetit
March 2, 2020
Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. The life and joy that Mary gave to all who knew her will be sorely missed. She was a treasure.
Carol Murphy
March 2, 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Mary for Christmastime at the Durkee Mansion.I admired her extremely creative ideas and the many unselfish hours she spent making the event so beautiful for all who visited. Her attention to detail was amazing. You could hear “Let’s ask Mary” echoing throughout the halls. I’ll always remember her warm smile and the way she complimented and encouraged everyone who helped her. She leaves behind such fond memories and will be so missed.My deepest sympathy to the Wirch/Hancock families.Carol Tovo Murphy
Martha Kotz Rendon
March 1, 2020
I remember Mary from swimming lessons for kids at the KYF. She was a lovely woman.. my condolences to you, Bob, and your children.
Mike Serpe
March 1, 2020
Dear Bob,Debra and I send you our love and dee sympathy on the very sad news of Mary’s passing. We hope that the love of your family and friends will provide you with some comfort in the days and years ahead.Deb Hertzberg and Mike Serpe
Patricia C Gade
February 28, 2020
Dear Hancock family, I have many fond memories of the love that was shared by all the Hancock family when they were part of the Lost Nation, Iowa family. I will miss Mary's beautiful smile, but know that God loves sharing her smile/her beautiful being with many others. Pat Gade
Diane L Larsen
February 28, 2020
Mary was a person who always tried to enhance the beauty around all of us. She was always so positiveand encouraged all of us to give our best in what we were doing. I worked as a volunteer at Kemper Center.Mary had the artist's gift of developing a vision of the decorations at Kemper, and then through her talents and herability to work with others, she was able to create this wonderful theme throughout the Kemper Mansion.
Jim 'DOC' Poplawski
February 27, 2020
Deepest Sympathy on your loss.Jim 'DOC' Poplawski, Chairman, UAW Local 180 Retirees
Lowanda
February 25, 2020
I am sorry to hear about your love one passing. When we lose a love on in death we feel so helpless, and I know that God will " surround and comfort" you at this difficult time. We all look forward to seeing our love ones again in paradise.
Jodi Roach-Zahn
February 25, 2020
Although I have not known Mary very long, the times we did meet/talk I will cherish forever. I met Mary from volunteering at Durkee Mansion and I was just takin in from her love of history. The Durkee Mansion, City of Kenosha, and her crafts. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Debbie Benetti
February 24, 2020
Prayers to you and your family. I had the privilege of working with Mary at Kemper Center. She was fun and creative. She cared for all of us helping out and would offer a helping hand to anyone needing suggestions or assistance. She will truly be missed