Mary M. Legler, 91, of East Dubuque, Illinois, formerly of rural Hazel Green, Wisconsin, passed away Monday, December 4, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, Benton, Wisconsin. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends and family may call from 9-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Mary was born on April 1, 1932, the daughter of Vincent and Genevieve “Jane” (McKillip) Chadwick. She graduated from Hazel Green High School and earned her teaching certificate from Wisconsin State College of Platteville. Mary was united in marriage to John “Joe” Legler on June 11, 1955. He preceded her in death on November 13, 2011.

Mary taught in a one-room schoolhouse for several years before leaving to raise her two children and help Joe on the farm. She was a master seamstress, loved reading, and enjoyed crossword puzzles. Upon selling the dairy herd, Mary and Joe began traveling extensively throughout the United States and beyond.

Mary is survived by two children, Allan (Diane Miesbauer) Legler, Hartland, WI, and Rosemary (Gary) Keleher, Dubuque, IA; six grandchildren, Christopher (fiancée, Andrea) Legler, Danita (Steve) Legler, Allan M. (Crystal) Legler, Paula (Brandon) Duve, Peter (Riley) Keleher and Patrick Keleher; six great-grandsons; and one great-great-grandson.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two siblings, Loren (Peg) Chadwick and Mazie (Orlie) Merfeld; and her sister-in-law, Martina (Bud) Runde. 

The family wishes to thank the staff of Ahva Living and Hospice of Dubuque for the exceptional care given to Mary. 

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseymcnett.com.