Mary Dixon

Mary was born May 18, 1938, in New London, Wis, the daughter of Ralph and Cora (Moeller) Roberts. She moved to Hiles, Wis., 1943 and attended Forest County Schools.

In 1955 she married Louis Linsmeyer, and they had 10 children together. She married William Dixon on July 11, 1981, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway. They celebrated 40 years on July 11 of this year.

Mary was a special angel sent from God into this world — now, her Father, Lord and Savior have called her home — her work on earth is done. She went back home at her Savior’s calling.

Mary knew Jesus as her best friend all her life. Her life verse was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” She taught Sunday School for over 50 years.

She managed the Quinnesec Ice Rink for 38 years, where she thoroughly enjoyed all her interactions with the children of the community. She headed the Quinnesec School Playground Association in 1996 to establish a park/playground for children when the Quinnesec School was demolished. She enjoyed the sight of children and families in the park, which she could see from her big front porch at 694 College Street.

With Mary, every child was special; she always looked beyond their faults and saw the need for love and compassion. She was known to many as Grandma and owned and operated Grandma’s Daycare. She was also instrumental in the creation of the “Christmas in Quinnesec” program, including Christmas decorating of light poles, tree lighting in the park, horse drawn carriage rides, and most importantly, a visit from Santa.

Mary is survived by her husband of 40 years, William; her children, Douglas (Sandra) Linsmeyer, Trish Gardiner, John Linsmeyer, MaryBeth (Carl) Hammer, Laura (Brad) Krause, Paul (Charlene) Linsmeyer, Greg (Wendy) Linsmeyer and Angela (Jason) Gustafson; siblings, Jeanne (Al) Swanson and Don Roberts; 25 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren including her great grandson, Caleb, who was her “sunshine”; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Louis Linsmeyer Jr. and Thomas Linsmeyer; a granddaughter, Angelique Linsmeyer; and siblings, Bonnie Geisel, Marvin Roberts, Ted Roberts, Gordon Roberts, Dale Roberts and Charles Roberts.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13, from noon to 1 p.m at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway. Funeral mass will follow at 1 p.m. at the church. Fr. Marty Flynn will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery.

Condolences to the family of Mary Ellen Dixon may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhome.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.