MARY JOSEPHINE COLSCH

Mary Josephine Colsch, 77, of Caledonia, died surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, MN. She was born August 4, 1933 in Marquette, IA, to James L. and Teresa A. (Hammell) Mitchell. Mary served in the U.S. Air force in San Antonio, TX. She married Carl J. Colsch, Sr. on January 27, 1953 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, New Albin, IA. He preceded her in death April 15, 1973. Mary enjoyed the outdoors, farming, gardening, hiking and 4-wheeling. Her faith was very important to her, which included mission trips, reading the Bible and promoting Pro-Life. She was a exceptional mother and role model to her children and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed. "May her inspiration live on in all of us." She is survived by her 13 children, Carl Colsch Jr. (Sara) of Eitzen, MN, Judy Mauss (Chris Schafer) of La Crescent, MN, Nick Colsch of Waukon, IA, Mark Colsch of New Albin, IA, Sharon Forrester, Jean (Myron) Kinneberg, and Barry Colsch, all of Caledonia, Patty Colsch (Allen Anthony) of La Crescent, MN, Tom (Lynn) Colsch, Tim (Karla) Colsch, and Doug (Jackie) Colsch, all of Caledonia, Marsha (Mark) Kotten of Spring Valley, WI and Steve (Teresa) Colsch of Caledonia; 55 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Esther (Jim) Benesh of Cedar Rapids, IA; a sister-in-law, Ginny Mitchell of New Albin, IA, 5 brothers, Lawrence (Lucille) Mitchell and David (Barb) Mitchell both of New Albin, IA, Raymond (Carol) Mitchell of Spicer, MN, Gerald (Mary Ann) Mitchell of Alburnett, IA. and Earl (Donna) Mitchell of Palo, IA. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter; Belinda Colsch; a son, Mitchell Colsch; 3 infant grandchildren, Thomas and Collette Kinneberg and Todd Colsch; a daughter-in-law, Gayleen Colsch; 4 brothers, Kenneth, James, Peter and William Mitchell; and a sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Richard Kubitz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am, Monday, February 28, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Gregory Leif will officiate and burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, New Albin, IA. with military honors by Loveless-Eikens American Legion Post 191 of Caledonia and the United States Air Force Funeral Honor Guard Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm, Sunday at Holy Family Hall, next to St. Mary's Church, where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 pm. Friends may also call from 9:30-10:15 am, Monday morning at the hall. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family with arrangements

MARY JOSEPHINE COLSCH

August 4, 1933 - February 23, 2011