Mary Lou (Jorgenson) Kershisnik

Mary Lou (Jorgenson) Kershisnik, 88, passed away June 1, 2018, at Columbine Commons Health and Rehabilitation Center in Windsor, Colo.

Mary Lou was born in Minneapolis Jan. 28, 1930. She and her family moved to Rock Springs, WY when she was two years old. She graduated from Rock Springs High School and earned an associates degree in education at the University of Denver, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She returned to Rock Springs and taught school at Yellowstone Elementary School for one year when she met the love of her life, Frank T. Kershisnik. The two were married June 17, 1951, in Rock Springs, where they raised four children. After starting a family, Mary Lou substitute taught in Rock Springs for many years prior to teaching fourth grade at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic School. At the age of 47, she completed her bachelor of arts degree in education at the University of Wyoming.

She then taught fourth and fifth grades for 10 years at Lincoln and Yellowstone Elementary Schools until her retirement in 1987. She was an avid Wyoming history researcher, which she incorporated into her class lessons. Lessons included field trips to South Pass City and Fort Bridger. After Frank's death, Mary Lou spent 14 years living near her family in Littleton, Colo. She moved to Fort Collins, Colo., and later Windsor, Colo., to be close to her daughter, Lynne.

Mary Lou was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Rock Springs, Light of the World Catholic Church in Littleton, Colo., PEO Chapter AE and served two terms on the University of Wyoming Alumni Association Board of Directors. She was an avid golfer, enjoyed travel, spending time with family and friends at the family cabin in Bear Lake, Utah, bridge, bingo and shopping.

She was preceded in death by her parents Walter C. and Audrey M. (Brennan) Jorgenson; brother, Walter Jorgenson; sister, Barbara Murray; husband of 49 years, Frank T. Kershisnik; and son, Thomas F. Kershisnik.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynne M. (Bill) Thomas of Windsor, Colo .; sons Mark C. (Susan) Kershisnik of Loveland, Colo., and Kevin M. (Rory Sheehan) Kershisnik of Los Angeles; daughter-in-law, Colleen Kershisnik of Littleton, Colo., and sister, Carole Macy of Thornton, Colo. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, one great- granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Susan B. Komen Foundation, University of Wyoming Alumni Association or Rock Springs Holy Spirit Catholic School.

A rosary will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church June 28 at 5 p.m. and a Mass of Christian burial on Friday, June 29th at 2 p.m., at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church followed by inurnment at Rock Spring Municipal Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Littleton, Colo., at a later date.

Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.