Mary Lou Hotchkiss

Mary Lou (Kuhn) Hotchkiss, age 85, of Menomonie, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025. She was born on October 27, 1940, in Menomonie to Murville and Mildred (James) Kuhn. She grew up in the Knapp area, attending Knapp Grade School and graduating from Menomonie High School in 1958. After graduation, she moved to Madison and began her career with the Public Service Commission before returning home to work at UW-Stout.

On December 29, 1962, Mary Lou married Nicklis Hotchkiss, in Knapp, Wisconsin. Together, they built a life, first in Knapp and later on a hobby farm in rural Menomonie, where they raised five children. Mary Lou devoted herself to her family, working tirelessly as a stay-at-home mom and helping on the farm. When her children were older, she returned to work part-time for the Menomonie School District in food service, primarily at Little Elk Creek School and later at Oaklawn Elementary.

Mary Lou had a gentle spirit and a heart full of love. She found joy in simple pleasures—reading, sewing, puzzles, crocheting, cross-stitching, and crafting—and shared her talents as an active member of the local homemakers club. Above all, she treasured time with her family. Each year, she tended a garden with care and passed down to her daughters the art of preserving its harvest. Through her example, she instilled in her children the values of hard work and perseverance. Her kindness touched everyone she met, and she faced life’s challenges with grace, unwavering strength, and without complaint.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her unwavering love, her quiet strength, and the warmth she brought to every room. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

Mary Lou is lovingly remembered by her family. She is survived by her three sons; Mike Hotchkiss, Jerry (Lisa/Tilli) Hotchkiss, John (Pam) Hotchkiss; and two daughters; Becky (Kelly) Kerr, and Jenny (Brian) Doane. She also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren: Amanda Hotchkiss, Kristi (Tom) Shepard, Kurtis Kerr, Marcus Doane, Stephanie Doane, and Alexis Doane as well as four great grandchildren: Hayden and McKenzie Head, Easton Kerr and Rose Shepard. Mary Lou is further survived by her brothers; Mike Kuhn and Jim (Jean) Kuhn, sisters-in-law; Mary Jane (Lawrence) Ericksmoen, Rosa (Terry) Giertz and Patricia Hotchkiss.

She was preceded in death by her husband; Nick; infant daughter; Mary Lynn; brothers; Jack (Lucy) Kuhn and Billy (Mae) Kuhn, a sister-in-law; Shirley Kuhn and brother in-law; Mike Hotchkiss.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday December 27, 2025 at Forest Center Church of the Nazarene, E7112 270th Ave, Menomonie, WI with Rev. Clifford Larrabee and Rev. Steve Crites officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI. and again one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Forest Center Cemetery in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

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