Obituary of Mary Teresa Meikle

Mary Teresa (Stefancin) Meikle, age 87 of Whitewater passed away on June 16, 2021 in Madison.

Mary was born in Kingston, Pennsylvania on February 19, 1934, daughter of Joseph J. and Mary M. (Rusnak) Stefancin. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at West Chester State University Pennsylvania and a master’s degree at Marquette University Wisconsin. Her graduate work was done at University of Oslo, Norway and University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

She taught elementary and middle school physical education and health in Butler, Pennsylvania from 1956 to 1958. Mary began the elementary physical education program in Oak Creek, Wisconsin where she taught from 1958 to 1965. From 1965 to 1989, as an assistant professor, she was a member of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department at University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

On February 7,1967, she and Douglas married. They traveled extensively throughout the five continents. Mary continued to travel after Doug’s death. Other interests included reading, card games, crafts, casino play, and keeping in touch with friends and loved ones.

Mary is survived by her son Douglas Meikle of Green Bay, son in-law Tom Ploessl of Waunakee; grandsons, Eric (Erica) Meikle of Boulder, Colorado, Peter Meike of Minneapolis; great-granddaughters, Elise and Adeline Meikle of Boulder, Colorado; great- grandson Mark Meikle of Boulder, Colorado; sister, Emily (Richard) Snavely of Pennsylvania, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Anne; parents, two brothers, and one grandson.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI on June 26, 2021 at 1PM. A visitation will take place from 12PM until the time of service. A burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the charity of one’s choice.