Obituary of Mary Christensen

Mary Christensen, 77, of Cambridge passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on Monday, October 23, 2023 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

Mary was born on November 14, 1945 to Elmer and Bernice (Jarlsberg) Christensen.  She grew up in Cambridge, WI, where she was an active member of Luther League and worked summers at Lake Ripley Park.  She graduated from Cambridge High School in 1963.  She began her college career at UW-Eau Claire, eventually transferring to Purdue University in West Layfayette, IN, and graduating in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education.  Mary worked in Milwaukee first as a teacher for students with cognitive disabilities at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School from 1969 to 1977, and later as a Program Support/Diagnostic teacher for the West Zone educational district.   She earned a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood-Handicapped from UW-Whitewater in 1980 and then began teaching at Grantosa Drive Elementary School in Milwaukee until 1981.  She returned to teaching in 1994 as an Educational Assistant for the Special Education Department in Cambridge where she remained until her retirement in 2009. 

Mary was a longtime member at Grace Lutheran Church in Cambridge and a member of the Ruth Circle. 

She loved gardening and being outside in the summer.  She also enjoyed reading, card making, planning monthly get togethers with her Class of ’63 friends, and learning about her family history.

Mary will be remembered for her big, enthusiastic expressions, her resilience, and her unconditional love for everyone. 

She is survived by her daughter, Kristine (Wes) Hinkley; her brother-in-law: Jerry Gunnelson, Cambridge; nieces and nephews: Matthew (Kelly) Gunnelson, Hartland, WI, Amy (Scott) Simdon, Cambridge, Beth Gunnelson, Cambridge, David (Nichole Thordson) Gunnelson, Rockdale, Sara (Bill) Cerar, Cambridge, Matthew (Kristin) Brandt, Coppell, TX, and Bethany (Mike) Piechowski, Sun Prairie; 15 great nieces and nephews, 1 great-great nephew, and many cousins. 

A memorial service will take place at 11AM on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Grace Lutheran Church.  A visitation will take place from 9AM until the time of service.  Inurnment will take place at Lake Ripley Cemetery immediately following the service.

Memorial gifts will be used to establish a scholarship for special education in memory of Mary.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Adam Levin and the nurses at SSM Health-Fort Atkinson as well as the nursing staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for t heir outstanding care.