Marcia E. Meshbesher

Marcia Elaine (McHargue) Meshbesher, 73, finally met the one thing she couldn't fix, fundraise, cook, or quilt her way through. She died peacefully after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, January 11th, 2015.

Marcia was born in Central City, Nebraska to Don and Lucille (Martin) McHargue. Growing up, she helped raise her siblings and run the family farm. She grew up attending school in Central City, NE, and went on to get her Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1963. Next was a Masters of Nursing Administration from the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1973.

She began her career by teaching at the Nebraska Methodist School of Nursing. She then attended school for her master's degree, and continued to work for the University of Florida teaching nursing. Next she moved on to administration of two hospitals. She became Director of Nursing at Chesapeake General Hospital in Chesapeake, VA. Then moved up to Assistant Administrator of Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI in 1976, for almost three years. She decided to go back to teaching nursing at WWTC in La Crosse, WI until 1998. Even through her retirement, she proceeded to oversee the family business, Chaseburg Manufacturing, Inc. until its sale in 2014.

She will be remembered for her love of a cup of coffee, a good book, and the ability to always lend a hand. Her passion to help others brought many friends, foster, and family members into her life. Marcia's love of people and helping others drove many an organization. She was extremely active as she and her friends could usually be found organizing Habitat for Humanity fundraisers, political committees, and any cause that was about making the world a better place. If not there, she would be selling bingo boards or making meals for the Coon Valley Business Association Bingo Night, setting up and working the Krause building at the Vernon County Fair (running the kids off who tried playing with the Lego exhibits), or just putting together a lunch for the gang "down at the shop" on inventory day.

She loved quilting, as many of her fortunate friends and family have been blessed with the spoils of her hobby over the years. Ceramic Pottery classes went from clumsy clay masses to beautiful heirlooms after eye surgery, and some diligent work/patience. Her other true love was in learning, traveling, and exploring. From taking trips to Reservations out west to experience a powwow, to then plague many a nursing class with rhythmic drum beat CDs to enhance their ability to learn, she was open to so many new ideas, theories, and ways to learn.

Travel was one of her passions. She loved the experience of doing and seeing things most of us only read about. From Machu Pichu to The Netherlands, Portugal, The UK, Bali, Singapore, and beyond, she would explore not only the places, but the people and cultures. Although anyone who knew her well knew that foreign places and exotic locales had nothing on the joy she received from her annual "Sisters' Trips."

Wherever a pot of coffee was brewing or a clandestine work break was happening, you could find Marcia. She loved a good book almost as much as a new recipe. She was proud of the organizations she took part in - from the Health Center she helped create at Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO to the Viroqua School Board, with whom she helped develop the new elementary school that stands to this day. The Temple Theater ARTT group, The Family & Children's Center, and even the LaCrosse Planned Parenthood Clinic/OPTIONS enjoyed the merits of her determination and willingness to help anyone and everyone with an important cause.

Her parents, Don & Lucille McHargue, preceded Marcia in death. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and siblings. Her children include: Amantha & (Jay) Fields of LaCrescent, MN, Meghan & (Mark) Holden, of Plymouth, MN and Shana Meshbesher of Viroqua, WI. Grandchildren include: Garrett & Braeden Fields, Alex & Jake (Lil' Buddha) Holden. Her siblings include: Gary & (Jeanne) McHargue of Westlake, CA, Marlene & (Larry) Kuskie of Kearney, NE, Jan Bolliger of Hasting, NE, and John & (Mary) McHargue of Grand Island, NE.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to some of the organizations she loved - the Vernon County Extension Office (4-H/Vernon County Fair), ARTT Temple Theater, or the Coon Valley Business Association. There will be no service, viewing, or funeral; but an informal gathering in her remembrance at The Historic Temple Theater (116 South Main Street, Viroqua, WI) will be held on Friday, January 16th from 3-7pm.