Mary H. Nussdorfer

     Mary Nussdorfer died Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at Bridge Path Assisted Living in Sparta, Wisconsin.  She was 94 years old. 

     Mary was born on October 11,1922 in Farmer City, Illinois to Cornelia and Oliver Hostetler.  She moved to Evanston, Illinois where she graduated from Evanston High School. She graduated from Oberlin College, in Oberlin, Ohio with Physical Education and English Literature degrees.  While attending Oberlin, she met her husband, Burr William Nussdorfer.  They were married almost 67 years.

     Burr and Mary moved to Sparta in 1947 where he practiced veterinary medicine for 40 years. Mary lived a full, interesting life.  She balanced supporting the veterinary practice and raising a family with many other interests. She enjoyed Arabian horses, dogs, travel, sports, playing bridge, reading and knitting.  She raised several foals and reared over 100 miniature schnauzer puppies that found many happy homes.  Mary loved time with her family, especially at the cottage in Waupaca, Wi that she helped her father build when she was in her teens.  She proudly claimed she won nail driving contests. 

     Mary was a member of PEO and served on the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation. She and Burr were members of Congregational United Church of Christ in Sparta.  She also taught physical education at Sparta Junior High and was the first Sparta girls’ basketball coach at Sparta High School.

     Mary will be remembered by her family for her love and support. She and Burr established a strong family foundation. Their devotion has impacted each generation. She was probably considered a “strong woman” for her day...always expressing her opinion.  She loved being active, playing tennis on Maui with Dad and their friends or riding horses with the family.  She instilled a love for sports and animals in all of us.

     Mary is survived by her children, Susan (Dwayne) Berg of Brooklyn, Wisconsin, Anne (Steve) Staton of Oregon, Wisconsin, Bill (Kristin) Nussdorfer of Sparta, and Jane (Steve) Kikuchi of Half Moon Bay, California; five grandchildren, Bradley Nussdorfer, Emily (Bob) Andersen,  Libby (Charlie) Chmielewski, Megan (Ed) Tumavicus and Tim (Ryann) Staton; and seven great grandchildren.  She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Hennessy of Philadelphia, along with nieces, a nephew and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister, Ruth and brother, Bob.

      There will be a celebration of her life on July 20th from 5-7 at Jakes Northwoods. Memorials may be made to the Sparta Library Building Fund, Sparta Area Cancer (SACS) or the Boys and Girls Club.

     We would like to thank the staff at Mary Crest and Bridge Path.  We will be forever grateful for their caring support and patience. 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

 Service Information