Maria C. Kirsch Obituary (1949

Maria Gabbey-Kirsch, age 76, of Menomonie, passed away, Thursday, May 14, 2026 at her home, The Neighbors of Dunn County. She was born in Racine, WI on May 25, 1949 to Leslie and Margreth (Kirsch) Gabbey. When she was 10 years old, she lost both parents within three months of each other and joined the family of Uncle Fred and Aunt Esther Behrmann of Kenosha. Maria married John Zukowski on September 4, 1971 at St. George Catholic Church in Kenosha WI. They had two sons, Jason and Todd. Maria worked for many years as a bookkeeper for the Elks Club in Kenosha and even after leaving that position, she took different jobs through the years as a bookkeeper/night auditor. In 1991, they moved to Chippewa Falls, WI where she later served on the City Council for a term until her health required her to retire. Maria was known for her sense of humor, sharp wit and love for family. She had a great laugh and made those around her smile. Even after being diagnosed with MS, she didn’t let that get the best of her. In fact, it could be said that she had a stubborn streak that sometimes wouldn’t allow her to accept help from others! She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Margreth, her uncle and aunt (second parents) Fred and Esther Behrmann, her sisters Marilyn (Spaulding) and Sharon (LeMay). She is survived by her sons, Jason and Todd (Patricia) and three grandchildren Ashley Zukowski (Matt Sharpe), Bailey Jo Baier, and Willy Zukowski, ex-husband and friend, John Zukowski, one brother John (Marilyn) Gabbey, and her three cousins/siblings, Darryl Behrmann, Donna Sharma, and Lauren Behrmann. In her final years, Maria received amazing care from staff at The Neighbors of Dunn County, and truly loved Laborske Griffin, Stacy Scholze, Taylor Lawson, Sam Dekan and Kang Vang. They treated her like family and we are forever grateful for their love and kindness. Funeral services will be held at a later date.