Mary Kay Langbecker

PORTAGE  -- Mary Kay Langbecker, age 66, eldest daughter of Kenneth and Lois (Klemp) Langbecker, passed away at her home on Tuesday, March 3, 2015.

Mary was born on December 11, 1948 at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage, graduated with honors in 1967 from the Portage High School and received her degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1971.  Throughout her life she had great compassion for those with special needs.  She cared deeply for her nieces and nephews and enjoyed taking them to the Circus World Museum and local history events.  Mary taught in several Wisconsin school districts throughout her career and retired after teaching in Mauston for 21 years.  She promoted her interest in preserving Portage history through her docent position and many hours of volunteer work at the Museum at the Portage.  Her admiration for Zona Gale was evident in the pleasure she took in relating stories about Zona and her former home to museum visitors.  She was a member of the Portage Historical Society and the Columbia County Area Retired Teachers Association. 

Mary is survived by her sisters, Peggy (Bill) Amend, of Pardeeville, and Sally Kipfer, of Madison; her nieces and nephews, Dr. Sarah (Lucas) Tevis, Kyle Amend (fiancee’ Christina Martin), Kayla Kipfer (fiance’ Antonio Thomas), Nathan Kipfer and great-nephew, Will Tevis.  Her parents preceded her in death. 

We would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to Mary’s neighbors for their support during this difficult time.    

Private family services will be held.  Burial will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the Portage Historical Society, PO Box 727, Portage, WI 53901