Mavis E. Bushman

Mavis E. Bushman, 94, of Galloway, died peacefully on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Mavis was born on Feb. 4, 1930, in Elderon, the daughter of John and Frances (Wilde) Zwirchitz. She was a cheerleader and prom queen during her high school years at Wittenberg. On May 21, 1949, Mavis was united in marriage to her one and only love, Ernest “Ernie” Bushman at St. Joseph’s in Galloway. The couple was so proud to be able to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary. Ernie preceded her in death on Sept. 17, 2024. There is no doubt that Ernie and Mavis are dancing to their favorite song, “In the Mood.” Family was very important to Mavis and Ernie, and they cherished the time spent together. They were very proud of their six children and their families. The couple loved to travel and found themselves in many locations throughout the world. They spent many years in Arizona and Alabama to escape the cooler weather. They enjoyed an old-fashioned every night and always said, “When the mountains are pink, it’s time for a drink.” Mavis found solace in her faith. She said the rosary daily and instilled a sound foundation of faith in her children and grandchildren. Mavis was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Galloway, the Rosary Society, PCCW and choir. Mavis was also a member of the WPGA (Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary) and sold baked potatoes at the Wisconsin State Fair. She worked on the potato farm until her upper 80s. Mavis believed that staying active kept her young, whether it was picking weeds and planting flowers or doing yard work. She loved feeding and watching her birds at the feeders and being outside. She enjoyed golfing, bowling and dancing. It was always special to see Ernie and Mavis dancing. From the jitterbug to square dancing, they were always so graceful and moved as one. Mavis loved her family. She had a way with always singing one liner songs such as “Grandma, poor old Grandma, why did they have to shoot poor old Grandma.” She also had her favorite treats such as ginger snap cookies, toffee bars, Chinese chews, lazy daisy cake and mini ice cream Drumsticks. Mavis was beautiful, kind and patient. She had the most beautiful blue eyes and would tell you exactly what she was thinking without saying a word. This was especially true after her stroke and words were hard to come by. She will be truly missed by her family. Mavis is survived by her children, Shelly (Kevin) Korger, Joe (Wendy) Bushman, Brian (Trisha Grezenski) Bushman, Laurie (Bruce) Spranger and Angie (Kevin) Worzalla; daughter-in-law, Connie Bushman; grandchildren, Amanda (Ian Street) Bushman, Luke Bushman, Leah “Julian” (Nicole Mayefske) Korger, Joe (Crystal) Bushman, Bethany (Kevin) Kersten, Jordan Bushman, Mallory (John) Schwalbach, Briana Hirsch, Ryan (Sammie Thomas) Bushman, Trevor (Lauren) Spranger, Haley (Kevin Borris) Spranger, Riley (Derek) Hoffman and Austin Worzalla; and great-grandchildren, Frankie, Aiden, Brennen, Jaxton, Drayden, Kiya, Mason, Micah, Mila, Malayna, Monte, Natalie, Nolan, Brady, Jacob, Madeline, Emma and Addilyn; as well as many other relatives and friends. Mavis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, John Michael in infancy and Gregory; siblings and in-laws, LaVern (Joan) Zwirchitz, Violet (Raymond) Jones, Dorothy (Robert) Haupt, Gladys (Eldon) Fremming and Maynard (Elaine) Zwirchitz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Galloway. Rev. Augustine Bentil and Monsignor Joseph Diermeier will concelebrate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7 p.m. at the church. Visitation will continue on Friday, from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. The family would like to thank Mavis’ caregivers, Jenny from Inner Peace (who became her friend), and Dustin, from Interim Hospice, for his daily visits with his “Mabel,” and the entire staff at Interim Hospice for their exceptional care. We would also like to thank Father Gus for his prayers and visits with Mom. Mom, as you’ve always said, “I love you little, I love you big, I love you like a little fat pig.”