Mary Jo Mizer, age 87, of Barron, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Dove Healthcare in Barron.

She was born in Chicago, IL on November 5, 1934, to Librorio (Leo) and Guesepina (Josephine) Tortorice, who immigrated from Burgio, Italy.

She was the youngest of six siblings and named Mary Jo, after her eldest, deceased sister. She enjoyed the simplicity of growing up in Chicago and dancing at numerous festivals. She met the love of her life, Lloyd Mizer, in the heart of Chicago and married at age 15. They wed on November 12, 1949 and spent 70 wonderful years together.

Mary Jo worked many jobs throughout her life, but her favorite job was being a wife and mother. Mary Jo supported her husband when he served in the Army, living in Austria from 1953-1955. Returning home from Austria, Mary Jo and Lloyd began their family in Illinois. They had three children, Kathy, Mike, and Steve. The family moved to Wisconsin in 1974, to farm and expand the family bulk milk hauling business.

Mary Jo loved her life on the farm as she enjoyed taking care of the animals, including her favorite Holstein, Mamie, gardening and canning, and milking the cows alongside her husband and sons. She also worked alongside Lloyd to expand his trucking business, Lloyd Mizer Trucking, currently Mizer Trucking Inc, owned by her son, Steve.

Mary Jo's happiest moments in life was watching her family grow into five generations! She loved family get togethers and would cook her authentic Italian food with Chicago Style flavor. She was strong with her faith and was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Surviving are her children, Kathy Sevals of Cameron and Steve (Connie) Mizer of Barron; daughter-in-law, JoAnn Mizer of Barron; five grandchildren, Kelly (Roxanne) Kallenbach, Anthony (Katie) Mizer, Alicia Isaiah) Halverson, Moriah Mizer, and Marc Mizer; six great grandchildren, Katy (Jordan) Polinski, Bella Kallenbach, Orlando Mizer, Ivan, Averee, and Elias Halverson; one great-great grandchild, Cooper Michael Polinski; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd; son, Mike; son-in-law, Tom Sevals; and her siblings, Mary, Tony, Ross, Mae, Joseph, and Angeline.

A visitation for Mary Jo will be held Wednesday, September 21st from 4:00 until 7:00 at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

A funeral mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Barron, will be held on Thursday, September 22nd at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior at the church.

Following the funeral mass, burial will be held at Wayside Cemetery in Barron.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Sep 17, 2022 12:54 pm CDT