Mary Ellen Boesch

Mary Ellen Boesch, age 76, of Ripon passed away at her beloved home on Friday, June 2nd, 2023.

Mary Ellen Mullin was born on October 28, 1946 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Daniel and Marjorie Mullin. She spent her childhood years in Marshfield, WI, graduating from Columbus High School in 1964. She attended the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN, studying Spanish and graduating with a teaching degree in 1968. Mary Ellen met Bill Boesch at a wedding of mutual friends that same year. Bill’s Army draft prompted a marriage proposal, and the pair were wed in Nuremberg, Germany on January 9, 1970. Mary Ellen and Bill shared homes in Milwaukee, WI, Downingtown, PA and in the summer of 1977 found their forever home on Lincoln Street in Ripon.  

Mary Ellen and Bill lovingly raised four children together; Laura, Paul, Kate and Mark. Together as active parent volunteers, they supported events ranging from Little League, Scouts, Young Life and music concerts. Nothing brought Mary Ellen more joy than watching her children play and perform. In 1986, Mary Ellen and friends opened a children’s clothing store in downtown Ripon, “For Kids Only”. After her children had grown, Mary Ellen returned to teaching. She worked for many years as a popular substitute teacher at Murray Park elementary and Ripon Middle schools. She taught students to chant “Mrs Boesch is the best” while opening doors for the sounds to echo in the halls. In the early 90s, Mary Ellen developed and taught American Sign Language as a summer school course to elementary students. Mary Ellen was an active member of St. Catherine of Siena parish, coordinating tasks at Ripon Food pantry. She also led the annual Santa Club of Ripon.  

Mary Ellen will be sadly missed by her many friends. She loved playing bridge, dominos, and going out for lunch. She adored shopping for her children and grandchildren, knowing the exact sizes of every member of her large family. She spent mornings with her “Curves ladies”, enjoying a Diet Coke at McDonald’s after a workout.

Mary Ellen could light up a room, bringing laughter and a sense of fun to every occasion. She enjoyed playing cards and getting into mischief with the large Boesch family. She adored being a mother-in-law to Joe, Robb, Jennifer and Yesung, showering them with affection. She was well traveled, preferring warm, sunny climates and her winter home near Anna Maria Island, Florida. A lifelong Packer fan, Mary Ellen enjoyed hosting friends for the games, but also taught her grandchildren to swear while watching. Mary Ellen and Bill enjoyed long rides in their yellow 1947 Ford, especially when joined by their grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Boesch of Ripon, WI; brother, Patrick (Betsy) Mullin of Madison, WI; daughter, Laura (Joe) Dobrowits of Bayside, WI; son, Paul (Jennifer) Boesch of Crofton, MD; daughter, Kate (Robb) Zbierski of Arlington Heights, IL; son, Mark (Yesung) Boesch of Seoul, Korea; and nine grandchildren, Jessica and Jacob Boesch; Thomas, Benjamin and Claire Dobrowits; Charlie and Effie Zbierski; and Mari and Meela Boesch; numerous in-laws (and out-laws); nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends, Bill and Mary Scheuer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Marjorie Mullin of Marshfield, WI.

A visitation for Mary Ellen will be held from 9:00-11:00 am on Friday, June 16 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 228 E. Blossom St., Ripon, 54971. The funeral mass will begin at 11:00 am, with Rev. Jim Leary, OFM Cap officiating.

You may view a livestream of Mary Ellen's mass at 11:00 am via the link below in the service box.

The Boesch family wishes to express gratitude to SSM Home Hospice for their loving care for the past months. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Ripon Food Pantry, 218 E. Blossom St., in the name of Mary Ellen.