Mary F. Champeau

Mary Faith (Shriner) Champeau, 84, of Oakfield, passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at St. Francis Home. Mary was born on September 11, 1934 at home in Oakfield, WI, the daughter of the late Charles and Alice (Norton) Shriner. Mary graduated from Mayville High School in 1952. In 1954, Mary graduated from Dodge County Teachers College (DCTC) in Mayville, WI. Upon graduation from DCTC, Mary began her teaching career at Black Oak School, a rural one-room K-8 school in Dodge County. She also taught in Dodge County K-8 rural schools in Kekoskee and Theresa, WI. From 1961-63, Mary taught at Pier School in Fond du Lac, WI. After taking time off from teaching to raise her three children, Mary returned and graduated in 1972 from UW-Oshkosh with a degree in teaching. Mary substitute taught until 1975 when she was hired as a full-time teacher in the Oakfield School District and retired from there in 1995.



On July 26, 1958, Mary married Patrick Champeau in Mayville, WI. Mary and Pat lived most of their married life in Oakfield, WI. Pat preceded her in death on August 1, 2018.

When her children were young Mary was very involved, as a leader, in the Busy Oaks 4-H Club, church and community activities. However, her main focus was always being there for her family.



Mary was a member of the Oakfield Lions Club and held several positions on the Oakfield Lions Board. She also helped with many Lions events, especially the assistance she offered during the Oakfield tornado in 1996. Also, Mary and Pat transported eyes for the WI Lions Eye Bank. Mary was a member of Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church and the Fond du Lac County Retired Teachers Association. She was also a member of the Fond du Lac County Fair Board and assisted with the selection of the county senior citizen award. She especially enjoyed her time reading with young children in the WI Bookworms program.

Mary enjoyed playing cards, knitting, and animals; especially horses. She was always willing to help others and visitors were always welcomed. Mary truly liked the holidays and the many family gatherings when she was able to make an abundance of food for family and guests. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially her children and grandchildren.



Mary is survived by her three children, Kevin (Celia) of Howard, WI, Jeff of Oakfield, WI, and DeAnna (Rick Anderson) Champeau Anderson of Seymour, WI; four grandchildren, Christopher (Kendra) Champeau of Burbank, CA, Matthew Champeau of Kenosha, WI, Cooper and Isabel Anderson of Seymour, WI; special family friend, Sarada of Chicago, IL; one brother and sister-in-law, Evan (Loretta) Shriner of Trail, OR; her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Sheila Champeau of Winona, MN and Cathay (John) Calhoun of Lilburn, GA. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Pat; sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen (Ray) Ost, Janice (Alex) Legleiter, Norda (Wayne) Landers, and Lucy (Florian) Lehner; nephews, Jim Powers, Joey Shandor, and Dale Shriner; great niece, Chelsea Howe. She is also preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law, Roy and Mae Champeau; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Lloyd) Laundrie, Bette (Andy) Shandor, John “Jack” Champeau, David Champeau, and Jerome “Jerry” (Marlene) Champeau.



The visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI. Visitation will continue at St. Francis Home Chapel on Wednesday, from 9:00 – 10:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Home Chapel, 33 Everett Street, Fond du Lac, WI on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Avoca Cemetery, Oakfield, WI.

A memorial will be established in Mary’s name.



The family extends a special thank you to all of Mary’s health care providers, especially the St. Francis Home staff for the care and compassion given to her and her family. Also thank you to Mary’s nieces, Teri Beau and Alice (Tim) Schoonover.

Guestbook and tribute wall may be found by visiting ueckerwitt.com.