Mary Kay Brisch, age 72, a resident of Kossuth, entered eternal life on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center in Manitowoc.

Mary Kay was born on December 14, 1951 in Elgin, IL to the late George and Grace Abraham. She graduated from St. Edwards High School in Elgin, IL with the class of 1970.  Mary Kay went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, MN in 1974.  On July 10, 1976, Mary Kay married Donald R. Brisch in Elgin, IL.  She had worked as an early elementary teacher in both Elgin, IL and Manitowoc, WI, and finished her career as a preschool teacher at the Manitowoc YMCA.  Mary Kay was an avid tennis player, book reader, and enjoyed watching reality TV.  She enjoyed going to their home in South Carolina with her husband, Don.  Mary Kay was a thoughtful person and would continually express that by trying to find the perfect gift for her children and grandchildren.  Another way she demonstrated her thoughtfulness and caring was by always being there and willing to help others in any way she could.  Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and was always planning different ways to bring them together.

Survivors include Mary Kay's husband of 47 years, Don; three daughters, Sarah Brisch, Manitowoc; Colleen (Ryan) MacDonald, Green Bay; and Lindsay (Johnny) Froelich, Denmark; seven grandchildren, Marissa (Dylan) Driessen, Theo Forster, Ashlynn Forster, Jack MacDonald, Ainsley MacDonald, Tenley Froelich, and Harvey Froelich; sister, Grace Ann (Robert) Phelps, Huntley, IL; brother, George Abraham, Elgin, IL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jacque (Jeff) McCullough, Stephanie Graff, Deb (Steve) Brisch-Cramer, David (Peggy) Brisch, Sue Brisch, and Betty Brisch; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Mary Kay was preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Abraham; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph G. and Jacqueline Brisch; sister, Jean (Glen) Miller, and three brothers-in-law, Joseph H. Brisch, Richard Brisch, and Glenn Graff.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Doug LeCaptain with entombment of Mary Kay's cremated remains at Calvary Mausoleum. A luncheon for family and friends would then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.  The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting https://www.facebook.com/harriganparkside/ .  Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Mary Kay's name that will be used to benefit organizations that were important to her.

Mary Kay's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the Francis Creek EMTs and the staff of Holy Family Memorial Medical Center's Emergency Department and CCU for all the care they provided.

To view a recording of Mary Kay's funeral service, please click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d0Zz0vM08g

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.