Mary Jo Wendorf

January 16, 1932 - March 29, 2010

Mary Jo Wendorf, age 78, of Beaver Dam, died peacefully surrounded by her family Monday, March 29, 2010 at North Haven Assisted Living Center in Stevens Point.

Mary Jo was born January 16, 1932 in Wausau, WI. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marion (Scott) Cassidy. She attended schools in Wausau, graduated from Wausau East High School and attended St. Theresa University in Winona, MN. Mary Jo married William F. Wendorf on March 12, 1952 and was married for 58 years. Her husband William survives. She was a devoted wife and caregiver who always put others needs ahead of her own. Mary Jo was a lifelong resident of Beaver Dam and was a community activist, as well as a long standing member of St. Patrick”s Catholic Church. She also served as a member of the Beaver Dam Hospital Board of Directors and the Hospital Auxiliary. Mary Jo loved cooking and co-authored a cookbook for the Hospital Auxiliary. In her own generous way she loved sharing her cooking with all her family and friends. She was an avid bridge player and adored playing with her dearest friends Sue, Betty, Barb, Ramona, Carol, Susan, Irene and Mary Margaret.

Survivors include her husband, William of Beaver Dam, and their three children Mike (Debbie) Wendorf of St. Louis, MO, Liz (Curt) Thompson and Rob (Lisa) Wendorf both of Plover, WI, her six grandchildren Jessica, Joseph, Erin, Lauren, Kristin and Scott. She is also survived by her sister in law, Mary Cassidy Dempsey, and her beloved nieces Maureen, Bridget and Nora and a wonderful nephew Joe. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents and her dearest brother Scott Cassidy.

A memorial gathering and Irish wake will be held at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Monday, April 5, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and at St. Katharine Drexel Church on Tuesday 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Katharine Drexel Church 127 W. Maple Avenue in Beaver Dam on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 10:30 AM. Inurnment will be at St. Patrick”s Cemetery in Beaver Dam followed by a luncheon at the Old Hickory Country Club.

Memorials may be made in Mary Jo Wendorf”s name to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital Foundation, 707 S. University Ave. Beaver Dam WI 53916, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 7818 Big Sky Dr. Suite 118 Madison WI 53719.

“If you”re lucky enough to be Irish, then you”re lucky enough”

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 E. Maple Ave in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for direction, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Service Details

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, 10:30am, St. Katharine Drexel Maple Ave. Church-Beaver Dam

Interment Details

St. Patrick’s Cemetery-Beaver Dam

Mary Jo Wendorf, age 78, of Beaver Dam, died peacefully surrounded by her family Monday, March 29, 2010 at North Haven Assisted Living Center in Stevens Point. Mary Jo was born January 16, 1932 in Wausau, WI. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marion (Scott) Cassidy. She attended schools in Wausau, graduatedContinue Reading

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Dear Liz, Wanted to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom! My prayer for you is that the comfort of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ reside in you to bring you relief from your grief. You and your family will be in my prayers. May Almighty God bring you the comfort you need at this time. Rick Schmid

Hi Liz, I am truly sorry to read that your Mom passing. Words can not truly express how sadden I am of your loss. I remember when my Dad died and it was a true Blessing for he died of Renal Cancer. Dad truly believe in the Lord and his journey was gracious and I too believe your Mom''s was also. It has a long time since we were kids and so many things have changed, my wish to you and your whole family is PEACE! God Bless you all. Take care, an old friend of your youth, Jacki Cisco

Dear Mr. Wendorf, Liz, Mike and Rob, So sorry to hear of your loss. We all have such fond memories of Mary Jo and living on Lakeshore Drive with you all. We especially remember the fun we had carpooling to school in the morning to St. Pat''s--it was a great way to start the day! We will keep you in our prayers. Sincerely, Becky, Yamil, Sarah, Paul and James Arbaje

To the family of Mary Jo Wendorf - My sympathy and prayers to all of you. I was deeply saddened to hear of Mary Jo''s death. I worked for years with Mary Jo - helping her with her catering business. She was top-notch, always so loving, caring, thoughtful, and gracious - a very classy lady. My sympathy to all. Love and Prayers Sincerely, Mary Ann Schoenwetter

Mike and family, We were sorry to hear of your loss. Take comfort in knowing that not only are your friends here for you but your memories of your mom/grandma will always be with you. Terry and Debbie Hammer

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We would like to express our sympathies to Mary Jo''s family. We will miss seeing her at daily Mass and having her cheery personality in our neighborhood. She was a kind woman with a wonderful personality and will be missed. Joseph and Marjorie Murphy

Dear Mr Wendorf, Liz, Mike and Rob, I am so sad to hear of the passing of Mary Jo. My mom phoned me just this morning to let me know. Our family (Barb, Gregg, Kirk and I) send to you and your families our love and prayers. May you all be embraced by her memory, love and strength. Please know that you are all being thought of now and in the days ahead. May you find comfort in knowing your are surrounded by those who love you. God Bless. With Love and Prayers, Kim

Jim and I wish to offer our sympathy to the Wendorf Family. We have so many wonderful memories of Mary Jo from the years that we lived next door and after. She was a great lady and will be missed.

Rob, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of sorrow. Eric and Judy Halverson

Our deepest sympathy to your family in this time of loss. We will keep all of you in our prayers during this difficult time. Love, Brian, Renee, Andrew, Elizabeth, and Bradley

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.