Mary Lynn Rusch

PORTAGE – Mary Lynn Rusch, age 76, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on July 24, 1949, she grew up in Pardeeville, Wisconsin, the daughter of Dr. Kenneth Shannon and Eunice (Donskey) Shannon. She married James Rusch on June 15, 1968, and established their home in Portage. At age 18, Mary started her career at The Portage Theatres and in 2008 Mary and Jim joined their son, Jeremy, and his wife, Kimberly, in purchasing The Portage Theatres. Mary loved the movies and giving back to the community; one of her favorite community projects was the Halloween Costume Parade, which went on for several years. Mary enjoyed all things Irish, especially her trips to Ireland. Mary was a very active member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage, where she taught CCD classes. She also volunteered at St. Mary Catholic School; dedicating over 40 years to playground duty.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; four children: Mick (Susan) Rusch and daughter, Hazel; Andrea (Todd) Salaj and children, Samantha and Tyler; Jeremy (Kimberly) Rusch and children, Caiden and Ashlyn; and Malinda (Charles) Walker and children, Addison and Zoe; her sister, Tricia Moran; her brother, Peter Shannon; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many close friends, as well her beloved dog, Paddy. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Tom Shannon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 309 W. Cook St., Portage, WI, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, at the church.

Memorials may be made to the family.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.