Mary V. Metcalfe

Mary V. Metcalfe, age 88, of Bloomington, died on Thursday, May 20, 2010, at Prairie Maison nursing home in Prairie du Chien. Mary was born on July 5, 1921, in Glen Haven Township, the second daughter of Clyde and Viola (Kuenster) Orr. She married Robert J. Metcalfe on February 17, 1942. Bob served in the United States Navy as a ships medic as war was raging in Europe and in the Pacific. He was later stationed at St. Albans Hospital in New York. In 1947, they purchased the Hoskins funeral home and furniture store in  Bloomington. In the years following, with the help of his friend and partner, Dale Kuenster, additional funeral homes in Cassville, Lancaster, and Potosi were purchased and became Metcalfe-Kuenster  Funeral Homes. Mary was a member and volunteer at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington. She also volunteered at St. Marys School. She was an energetic presence in the community. Her favorite activities were traveling with Bob, golfing at the Prairie du Chien Country Club, bowling, quilting, knitting and boating with family and friends on the Mississippi River. Survivors include her daughter, Kathy (Steve) Derene, Madison and a son, Thomas (Peggy) Metcalfe, Eau Claire; her loving grandchildren: Kelli Dauber, Erik (Wendi) Knodle, Jennifer Metcalfe, Casey Metcalfe, Carly Metcalfe, Michael Derene and Nick Derene; and great-grandchildren: McKenzie, Sydney, Emily, Austin and Taylor.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 1993, two daughters, Christy Lynn in infancy and Virginia Knodle, and her beloved sister, Helen (Allen) DiVall.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father Bart Timmerman officiating. Burial was in St. Marys Cemetery, Bloomington. Family and Friends called on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Mary was a passionate supporter of environmental causes, particularly the effort to save the gray wolf. Donations in her name can be made to the Yellowstone Association, P.O. Box 117,  Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington assisted the family.