Mary Lynn Wiskerchen 09/25/2026

Mary Lynn Wiskerchen, 85, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family following a nine-month battle with cancer.
Mary Lynn was born November 24, 1940, in Durand, Wisconsin, to Virgil “Bud” and Karleen (Pfeifer) Van Dyke. She was the third of six children and grew up in Durand. While working at the local drug store after high school, she met Leonard “Len” Wiskerchen. They were married on June 12, 1961, and began a life together that would span exactly 65 years and take them to River Falls, where they raised their four children.
When her youngest entered school, Mary Lynn began a 27-year career as a paraprofessional at River Falls High School. She enjoyed the people she worked with and forged lifelong friendships along the way. After retirement, she remained active in a monthly book club, Curves, and volunteered at Adoray’s Treasures of the Heart for 20 years. In 2025, she was honored as Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her years of service. She loved flowers and gardening and, along with her husband, taught their kids to do the same.
Faith was also an important part of Mary Lynn’s life. She was a devoted member of St. Bridget Catholic Parish for 56 years and remained connected to her parish and her faith throughout her life.
Family was at the center of Mary Lynn’s life. She loved being together, whether it was a holiday, a family gathering, a road trip, or simply time spent around the kitchen table. She especially enjoyed “girl time” with her daughters, including their road trips to Iowa and their annual appetizer contests—traditions that created memories far more valuable than anything they were ever competing for.
Mary Lynn will be remembered for her genuine kindness, her love of family, her ability to see the good in people, and the joy she found in simply being surrounded by those she loved. She never spoke poorly of others and always seemed to look for the positive in everyone. She had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and those who had the pleasure of knowing her came to cherish that quality.
Mary Lynn’s final months revealed just how much her family and friends meant to her. She was grateful for the many people who surrounded her with love and support, including several dear friends who remained close by her side. The cards, flowers, visits, and attention from those who cared about her brought her genuine happiness. She treasured every reminder that people were thinking of her.
Mary Lynn is survived by her son, John (Carol) Wiskerchen; daughters, Sarah Wiskerchen, Betsy Wiskerchen, and Katie (Jason) Johnson; step-granddaughter Kari (Steve) Draves; step-great-grandsons Gavin and Brayden; brother Greg (Carol) Van Dyke; sisters Jane (Jens) Knudson and Kathy (Robert) Johns; brother Rod (Jeanne) Van Dyke; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, whom she cherished deeply. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Wiskerchen; her parents, Virgil “Bud” and Karleen Van Dyke; and her sister, Terry.
Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Lynn will be held on October 17, 2026 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, with visitation at 9:30 am and Mass at 10:30 am. A luncheon will follow. Private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Adoray Hospice or the River Falls Food Bank. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch Mary Lynn’s service live on Saturday at 10:30 am