Rhonna Mary Casey

Rhonna Mary Casey of Mondovi, WI passed away peacefully of heart failure at her home on Sunday, August 17, 2014. She was born June 30, 1945, at Gillette Hospital in Mondovi, to Dallas and Dorothy (Ruff) Ottinger. She attended Modena State Graded School and graduated from Mondovi High School in 1963. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Modena. Rhonna was united in marriage with Thomas Casey on July 5, 1991, also at St. Paul’s. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was an avid reader and an excellent cook. She loved to fish, travel, and spend time at the family cabin at Ojibwa. A life-time educator, Rhonna received a baccalaureate degree from UW- Eau Claire and a master’s degree from UW- Superior. She taught elementary school in Shawano and Hudson, and middle school at Unity-Balsam Lake and Arkansaw Middle School- Durand. She also coached forensics, and for many years directed prep classes for the American College Testing Program. Mrs. Casey was a member of the Mondovi Board of Education, serving several years as clerk. At her passing she was board president. She was also a member of the CESA 10 Board of Control. She strongly believed preparation and knowledge were the keys to success, and had a life-long passion for student achievement. Her desire to give the next generation the tools, encouragement, and opportunities to succeed permeated her entire life. Rhonna is survived by her husband and best friend Tom; daughter Dr. Krista Swenson and husband Dr. Michael Anderson of Buffalo, NY; daughter Lindsay Swenson of Hudson; granddaughter Selina Swenson of Hudson; stepdaughters Melissa Casey of Eau Claire, Meredith Cox and husband Patrick of Rosemount, MN; stepson Ryan Casey and Teresa Davis of Durand; and grandsons Carson Cox, Logan Cox, and Cabe Casey. She is further survived by sisters, Nancy Miller of Mt. Joy, PA, Sheree Williams and husband Guy of Balsam Lake, and Dorothy (Tootie) Schultz and husband David of Montevideo, MN; brother, Steven Ottinger and wife Conni of Mondovi; brother-in-law Ronald Amundson of Mondovi; special uncle, Earl Ruff of Alma; nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Clara Kay Casey Amundson, and brother-in-law James Miller. A memorial gathering will be held at Talbot Family Funeral Home in Mondovi on Friday August 22 at 4:00PM to 8:00PM. A memorial service will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Modena on Saturday August 23 at 1:00PM, with an hour of visitation prior. Pastor Daniel Pffafe will be officiating. Talbot Family Funeral Homes – Scenic Rivers Cremation Center was honored to assist the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com. The family requests memorials be designated for the Rhonna M. Casey Memorial Scholarship Fund at Mondovi High School.