Mary Louise Starch

Mary Louise Starch, 92 of Coon Valley, Wisconsin, passed away on March 14, 2026.

Mary Louise was born on October 19, 1933, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Teckla (Thesing) Kramer and Benjamin Kramer. She attended school in La Crescent, Minnesota and later worked for many years as a cook at the South Avenue Cafeteria in La Crosse.

On July 7, 1964, Mary Louise married Reuben Starch in La Crescent, Minnesota. Together they welcomed one daughter, Lisa, in 1967.

Mary Louise worked alongside her husband as a dairy farmer until they sold the cows in the year 2000, and together they continued crop farming after that time. She was known for being a hardworking, sweet, and kind person. Mary Louise especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved cooking, baking, and working in her garden. She was a dedicated member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Coon Valley.

Mary Louise is survived by her husband of 61 years, Reuben Starch; her daughter, Lisa (Jeff) Peterson; her grandchildren, Crystal (Tony) Becker and Andrew (Mandi) Peterson; and five great-grandchildren, Blake and Jace Becker, and Hayley, Olivia, and Peyton Peterson. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Marilyn Pertzsch and Meredith Kramer, along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Howard Kramer and Clarence Kramer, and several sisters- and brothers-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Coon Valley, with Fr. Joe Richards officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home and on Monday, March 23, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Coon Valley.

Seland Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.