Mary Semling

Mary Alice Semling, 64, of Galesville, Wisconsin, passed away at her home surrounded by love after a courageous and unwavering journey with cancer on February 24th, 2026.

Mary was born on May 20, 1961, in Whitehall, Wisconsin, to Lester and Delores Richer. She grew up in Galesville and attended GET High School. Her roots in this community ran deep, and so did her love for the people in it. On October 2, 2004, she married Charles Semling, beginning a partnership built on devotion, shared faith, and a deep commitment to family.

Mary began her career as a CNA at Saint Michaels in Fountain City, WI where her natural compassion and strength quickly became evident. She later stepped into the role of Activity Director in the late 1980s and early 1990s, bringing energy, creativity, and heart to those she served. For nearly twenty years in Arcadia, Mary owned and operated her own in-home childcare. Her daycare was more than a business. It was a second home to countless children. It was warm and cozy, often hectic, and almost always filled with the smell of freshly baked treats. She was a perfect mix of structure and softness. There were crafts and schedules, but more importantly, there was love.

Family was Mary's greatest passion and the center of her world. She stood firmly for what she believed in, no matter how unpopular it may have been. She was strong. She was loving. She was forgiving. Those who knew her knew that her strength was not loud for attention but bold in conviction.

Mary loved knitting, everything country rustic, and the color teal. She had a lifelong soft spot for animals and adopted more than her fair share of strays over the years. Her baking was unmatched, especially her cookies, which became a staple memory for many.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Each of them lived with her at some point while growing up, and she was their safe place. She was their biggest cheerleader at every event, every milestone, every game and performance. And she never missed an opportunity to spoil them with treats. Her home was where they knew they were loved without condition.

Mary's faith was strong and deeply personal. Through every season of life, including her illness, she carried herself with boldness and conviction. She did not waver in what she believed. She faced hardship the same way she lived her life, standing firm and loving her family fiercely.

Mary is survived by her husband, Charles Semling; her children, Jessica Neumann, Hannah Mosier, and Cory (Jennifer) Semling; her grandchildren, Christian Neumann, Mya Mosier-Saintfort, and Alex Olson; her siblings, Darrel (Sue) Richer, Marrilyn Kadera, and Gerald Richer; along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother Proxeda; her parents, Lester and Delores Richer; her sister Doreen; her brother-in-law Frank; and her nephew Mike Schuh.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Wozney-Killian Funeral Home, 1378 E Willson Ave., Arcadia, led by funeral celebrant Sherry Reck-Haines. Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until the time of the service. There will be a luncheon to follow. A private family burial will take place in the spring. In honor of Mary's love for animals, memorial donations may be made to the Trempealeau County Humane Society.

Mary's legacy lives on in the family she built, the children she cared for, and the countless lives she shaped simply by loving them well. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

To leave an online condolence for her family, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.