Maurice Lee Oehler

Maurice Lee Oehler age 87 of Prairie du Chien passed away unexpectedly Thursday, January 23, 2020 at his home.  He was born January 21, 1933 in Mankato, MN, the son of Lee and Flavia (Cattrysse) Oehler.  He graduated from Loyola High School, Mankato, MN in 1951, and received a BA in Chemistry and Secondary Education from University of Minnesota-Mankato in 1956. He married Loretta Vancura on August 21, 1956 in Lakefield, MN. He later received his MS in Chemical Education UW-Madison 1961 and went on to teach in Truman and Hastings, MN. He then taught Chemistry at Campion Jesuit High School from 1962 to 1971 and at Prairie du Chien High School from 1976 until his retirement in 1996. He also worked full and part time as an insurance agent for Rural Insurance and Fritz Insurance for many years. Maurice founded the National Mole Day Foundation, Inc. in 1991, a worldwide day of engaging students 

in the practice and study of chemistry, celebrated on October 23rd each year. Maury was very active throughout his life in community service with the Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, the Prairie du Chien Historical Society, and was a founding member and president of the Prairie du Chien EMS. He was the recipient of many national, state and regional awards, some in chemistry, and others in civic organizations. In 2016 he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota-Mankato.  He enjoyed camping, fishing and travel and watching the Brewers, Packers and Badgers. He is survived by his children: Anne (Tim) Olson, Mark (Kris) Oehler, Mary (David) McDonnell and Tom (Mary) Oehler. His grandchildren, Andrew (Lindsey) Drake, Jenny (Brian) Summers, Mike (Kristin) Olson, Clarissa (Sean) Russell, Nathaniel Oehler, Kelly and Megan McDonnell, Ben Oehler, Sam (Catie) Oehler along with 3 great and 3 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Loretta and granddaughter Angie Drake.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 27, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church of the Holy Family Parish, Msgr. Charles Stoetzel officiating, with burial in the Calvary Cemetery both in Prairie du Chien.  Friends may call Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Garrity Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien where there will be a rosary at 7:00 PM. Friends may also call at church on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Prairie du Chien Historical Society or the National Mole Day Foundation. www.garrityfuneralhome.com  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maurice Lee Oehler, please visit our floral store.