Mary Joan Wichser

A visitation for Mary Jo (Thompson) Wichser, 84 of Rochester, MN will be from 5:00 7:00 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes.There will be a private family graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Mary Joan Thompson was born on May 30, 1928 in Rochester, MN to George and Hannah (Baillie) Thompson.She died on October 30, 2012 at the Faribault Senior Living Memory Care Unit in Faribault, MN. Mary Jo graduated from Rochester High School in 1946 and attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA.She married Robert Wichser on December 26, 1948 at her mother's home in Rochester, MN.Mary Jo was a wonderful seamstress and conducted her own dress making business for years, having made clothing and outfits for many well known Rochester citizens and visitors.After her years as a seamstress she took that talent for fashion to several retail establishments in Rochester including Julius Estess Shop and The Crate.She retired in 2003, to enjoy time with family and friends.Mary Jo and Bob spent many happy winters in Eleuthra, Bahamas and Arizona. The family wishes to thank Jessica Adams, her special care giver and Calista Vos and the wonderful staff at Faribault Senior Living for the fabulous care and love she received from them. Survivors include her husband, Robert R. of Rochester, MN; her daughter, Karla Baillie (Tom Dyer) of Rochester, MN; her two sons, Robert A. (Sandra) Wichser of Sioux City, IA and J.D. (Cherlyn) Wichser of Stillwater, MN; 3 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter and 3 step-great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother, George. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Faribault Senior Living Memory Care Unit, 843 Faribault Road, Faribault, MN55021