Mary K. “Kay” Witschen, 80, St. Cloud

April 24, 1935 - March 8, 2016

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud for Mary K. “Kay” Witschen, age 80, of St. Cloud, who passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the V.A. Health Care System in St. Cloud. Burial of her urn, with full military honors, will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.
Mary was born on April 24, 1935 to John and Dorothy (Rimer) Womeldorf in Rimersburg, PA. She graduated from Union Joint High School in 1953, and later attended St. Cloud State University for two years. Shortly after high school, she joined the United States Marine Corps. After boot camp at Paris Island, she was sent to San Diego and served at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. In 1955, she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Witschen. They were married on April 22, 1955 at the Marine Corps Chapel on the Base. After their enlistments, they moved to St. Cloud.

Kay worked at the St. Cloud State University Library, the St. Cloud School District Media Center and was later the Branch Librarian at the Foley Public Library for 14 years. Mary also served on the Selective Service Board for 17 years. She was a life member of the Marine Corps League Valhalla Detachment #171, the American Legion Post #254, Eagles Aerie #622, the Retired Policeman Association, the Society of Children’s Authors and Illustrators, and the Minnesota Arts Council.

Books were Kay’s passion. If she wasen’t reading, she was writing. She created the wonderful “Clinker”, a little dog that had many adventures. Kay wrote six childrens books and one book for senior citizens. With the help of her husband, she published and promoted her work. Kay and Dick also spent many wonderful years going to Texas every winter during their retirement. She was an incredible woman and very loved.

Kay is survived by her son, Clarence of Fort Ripley; daughters, Cindy (Don) Witschen-Boelz and Kathy (Tim) Bogen, both of St. Cloud; six grandchildren, Shane, Daniel, Michael, Stevie Lou, Tessa and Shawn; three great-grandchildren; brother, Larry (Cathy) Womeldorf, of Merrifield; sister, Sue (Bud) Solida, of Rimersburg, PA; and sister-in-law, Audrey Lommel, of St. Cloud.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents; daughter Denise McIntyre; brother, John Womeldorf and sister, Dorothy Cheek.