Mary Walch

Altura, Mary Suzanne (Steffen) Walch, 91, of Altura died of natural causes, Wednesday November 19, 2003 at St. Anne Extended Health Care in Winona. She was born on November 18, 1912 to Frank and Rena (Herman) Steffen on a farm near Plainview. Mary married Cletus Walch on August 20, 1936 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Altura. They farmed near Altura for 40 years. In 1977 Cletus and Mary moved to a home they built on their property, where Mary continued to live after Cletus's death in January of 1979. Mary's life was centered in the church and her family. She could be counted on to prepare huge brunches after Sunday Mass, her home was always a welcoming place for family gatherings. She was a homemaker known for her apple pies, potato salad and turkey dressing. Mary enjoyed bowling, quilting, sewing and playing cards with the "Altura Ladies". She was active in 4-H, Townline Homemakers, Ladies Aid Society, Do-Mor and church choir. Mary is survived by eight children; Bernard (Jeanne) Walch) of Red Wing, Barbara (Roger) Gaio of Rochester, Sister Anne of Altura, Louise (Jim) Kalmes of Rollingstone, Susan (Dan) Wieczorek of Long Lake, MN, Janet (Douglas) Gunnink of Gaylord, MN, David (Peg) Walch of Altura and Theresa (Mark) Walsworth of Plymouth, MN, 19 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren,11 step great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law; Marie DeZell of Winona and Clara Woll of Rushford and many nieces, nephews and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Cletus, siblings Beulah Simon, Kenneth Steffen and Leo Steffen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Saturday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Altura with the Rev. Shawn Haremza officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Winona. Friends may call at St. Anthony Church from 4-8 PM Friday and one hour before services Saturday. There will be a Vigil Service at 7 PM Friday at the church. Hoff Funeral Home's ? St. Charles chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.