Obituary for Mary Catherine Kendhammer

Mary graduated from Aquinas High School class of 1953. During her early years she worked at the neighborhood Schreier’s grocery store and as a dental assistant for a local Orthodontist.

On July 27, 1955, Mary married Gerald (Jerry) Kendhammer at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. They were blessed with 53 years of marriage, and two children, a large extended family, lots of polka music and dancing. Jerry preceded Mary in death in 2008.

Beyond supporting her husband Jerry’s Excavating business for 28 years as the treasurer, Mary enjoyed other fun occupations outside the home throughout her life. One of her favorites was waitressing Friday night fish fry for over 20 years at Culp’s Supper Club located just down the hill from their home. After her and Jerry moved to West Salem she retired after 19 years working part-time at 1st Community Credit Union where she enjoyed the work and camaraderie of the local community.

After retirement Mary and Jerry were blessed to spend several decades as “Wisconsin Snowbirds” in Mesa, AZ, and continued to participate in their love for dancing to old-time music with old and new friends.

Mary will be remembered for her love of flowers, gardening and sewing, as well as her many years creating beautiful quilts, wedding dress alterations, and hemming numerous pants and dresses over the years for many friends and family. Taking pride in her gardening skills, Mary volunteered for over 40 years in both the Medary and West Salem Garden Clubs, participating in many community projects. Mary’s efforts in supporting community beautification projects can still be seen and remembered in West Salem, in areas she touched through the years.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Bonnie (Robert); son, Tim; Grandson, Benjamin (Katie) and three great-granddaughters. Mary is further survived by her brothers and sisters; Richard (Judy) Degenhardt; Ruth (Jim) Roesler; Joan Price; John (Pat) Degenhardt; David (Linda) Degenhardt; Tom (Lisa) Degenhardt; sister-in-law, Sandy Degenhardt; brother-in-law, Dan Bina; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry, brothers Jim Degenhardt and Mike Degenhardt, sister Therese Bina and brother-in-law John Price and 2 infant sons.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at St Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church, West Salem, WI. Father Eric Berns will celebrate the Mass.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, prior to the funeral mass, between 9:00AM and 11:00AM, at St Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church. A Luncheon will follow the Mass at St Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church. Burial interment will follow the Luncheon at St. Francis of Assisi Mausoleum Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the West Salem First Responders or St Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be offered on this site.