Marie L. Schaller, 90, of Sparta, died Friday, February 22, 2008 at Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center, Sparta. She was born on March 9, 1917 in Lyons Valley, Monroe County, Wisconsin to Oscar and Clara (Poss) Pottinger. She grew up in Lyons Valley on the family farm.

     Marie married Claude Schaller on October 24, 1939 at St. Mary’s Ridge Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Ridge. They lived in Coles Valley until they moved to Sparta in 1974. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital and Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center until her retirement. She volunteered with 4-H, Coles Valley School, and St. Patrick’s Summerfest and was a member of the Coles Valley Homemakers and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church PCCW. She enjoyed canning, gardening, cooking, baking, and sewing. She loved being a Grandma and spending time with her family.

     Marie is survived by her husband, Claude of Sparta; her children, Gerald (Mary) Schaller of La Crosse, Carol (Steve) Thomas of Independence, OR, James (Janice) Schaller of Osage, MO; 11 grandchildren, Lana (Guff) Twite, Renee (Mike) Deflorian, Leigh (Scott) Goetzinger, Rhonda (Tom) Sullivan, Kelly (David) Naro, John Thomas, Joel Thomas, Jenny Schaller, Jakoby Schaller, Jamie Schaller, Angela Schaller; many great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; a sister-in-law, Margaret Schaller of Sparta; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Roger Schulze; a brother, David; and 2 sisters, Loretta and Lorraine.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father James Leary OFM Cap officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Sparta.

     Family and friends are invited to call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. with a 6 p.m. rosary and Monday at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.