09/01/2026
Mary Loretta Husby, age 85, of La Motte Lake, Keshena, left this world on Saturday, August 29, 2026, to begin her incredible journey into the Spirit World. Mary was the eldest of four daughters to Sarah Skubitz and Frank Skubitz. Her youth was spent on the Menominee Indian Reservation in the Skubitz home along the Wolf River. She had plenty to do as the eldest and helping to care for her sisters Bernadette, Dona and Sarah (Douge) which honed her skills for her eventual dedication to the field of Social Work.
During Mary's teenage years she attended the Shawano High School. Her early 20s were spent both on the Menominee Reservation and in South Milwaukee. Mary attended college at University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh where she pursued her Bachelor's degree. It was there that she met Mary T. Husby, sister to her future husband Mark A. Husby.
Mark and Mary were united in marriage on September 18, 1965, in Keshena. They welcomed their first of five children, Jon Eric Husby on 1965 to their home in Green Bay. Jon was followed by David Husby a year and a half later in Green Bay. In 1975, the family moved back to the Menominee Indian Reservation. Leah Husby was welcomed to the family in 1976 followed later by Daniel Husby in 1983 and the last child, Paul Husby, in 1985. She was survived by her grandchildren Miranda Washinawatok, Peter J. Husby, Natalie Husby and Emory Husby along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Husby had a long history of service and dedication to children beginning in South Milwaukee, establishing herself in the department of Social Services for the Menominee Tribe. Further, her work extended to caring for native children throughout Indian Country. Mary was an integral part to many social service acts over her career which lasted 38 years ending in 2017. She was a noted advocate for the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and was also instrumental in the development of the Children's Code for The Menominee Nation.
Mary enjoyed her time attending family gatherings, vacationing to sites around Wisconsin and the South West. She spent her spare time reading, watching Mobster movies, gardening, fine dining, debating Tribal sovereignty issues and was an avid sports enthusiast.
Mary Husby is survived by: sisters Bernadette (Skubitz) Kuemmel, Dona (Skubitz) Beauprey, adopted sister Bernadine Ghosthorse and her children Dave, Leah, Daniel and Paul. She was preceded in death by her father Frank Skubitz, her mother Sarah (Longley) Skubitz, her son Jon Husby, her sister Sarah (Skubitz) Fowler, her husband Mark A. Husby and her adopted brother John Gibbons.
Mary Husby passed away peacefully at Thedacare Medical Center in Appleton, Wisconsin surrounded by her family. Family and friends may call beginning on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 3 pm at St. Michael's Parish Hall in Keshena. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael's Church in Keshena, Wisconsin on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11 am. Burial will be at St. Michael's Cemetery in Keshena.
