Mary Therese Luterbach

Mary Therese Luterbach, age 84, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, while surrounded by her family and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  She was born on October 21, 1938 to the late Paul and Mary (Kellnhofer) Schupp in Medford, WI.  Mary grew up on the family dairy farm in Medford, WI.  She attended and graduated from Medford High School.  Mary followed the love of her life, Bill Luterbach, to Milwaukee, and within a year, they exchanged marriage vows on October 5, 1957 in Medford, WI.  He survives. 

The family moved around a bit in the early years of their nearly 65-year marriage, spending time in Lawton, OK, Menomonee Falls, and Germantown, before settling down in Merrill.  In Merrill, they spent 7 years on the family dairy farm where she worked hard at being a farmer’s wife and homemaker, along with raising their 5 children.  But, when they moved to town, Mary fell in love with and excelled at her job as a CNA at Pine Crest Nursing Home, where she worked for 20 years.  Her caring personality and hard work ethic meant she was a compassionate caregiver and supportive coworker.  Mary would look forward to birthday meals and regular get-togethers with her sisters, they had the best time!

She enjoyed reading and baking, and was very proud of her children and grandchildren.  Mary was very welcoming and was a “bonus mom” for lots of kids.  Mary was easy to talk to and to love, she made strong friendships easily and had a great group of neighborhood friends.  Mary had a wonderful smile that brought joy to everyone.  In the 6 months she resided at Bell Tower, her smiles were noticed by every resident and staff person she met.  She couldn’t go anywhere without receiving comments of gratitude for her smile and sweet disposition.  Mary leaves a void in her loved one’s hearts, but she will never be forgotten.

She was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, as she worked her whole life to prepare herself and her family for her own celebration of life.  Not one to preach faith to others, she regularly prayed the Rosary and led by example.

Mary leaves behind her loving husband: Bill Luterbach, sons: Jeff (Debra) Luterbach and Russ (Brenda) Luterbach, daughters: Renee (Tabb) Benzinger and Joan (Peter) Tabor, a proud grandma to Keith, Tory, Rene, Zach, Travis, Tyler, Rachel, Erik, Benjamin and Allison, 16 great grandchildren, sister: Rita (Sam) Way and numerous nieces, nephews, good friends and neighbors.  She was preceded in death by her parents, son: Steve Luterbach and sisters: Wilma, Lucille and Jeanne.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 11:30am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill.  Father Maria Vallabhaneni will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 9am until 11am, with a Rosary starting at 10:30am, at Waid Funeral Home. Inurnment at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name may be directed to the St. Francis Xavier Catholic church or school or to Bell Tower Residence.

Family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Father Maria for his visits to Mary, the staff at Bell Tower for their care and compassion and to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their support.  Family would also like to thank Barb, a very special caregiver that helped Mary in her home.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.