Marie A. Orcutt

Marie Ann (Salus) Orcutt, 87, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025 at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse WI. Marie entered this world on November 26, 1937, the first child of Frank and Adronie (Van Massenhove) Salus. She grew up with her parents and her little brother, Jim, in Superior WI. While attending Cathedral High School in Superior, she pursued her love of music, singing in the Glee Clubs and Triple Trios. During this time, she also discovered her career passion while volunteering as a candy striper. Following graduation in 1955 as salutatorian of her class, she attended St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse. She completed her training to become a registered nurse in 1958. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Ralph J. Orcutt. The two wed on February 7, 1959 at her home parish, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Superior. God blessed their love with four children.

Marie’s career as an RN blossomed in 1964 when she began a 32-year career at Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse. Midway through her tenure at Lutheran Hospital, she refocused her career in the Infection Control field. This required a return to school, prompting her to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Mount Senario College in Ladysmith WI in 1984. She continued as an Infection Control Practitioner until her retirement from Lutheran Hospital in 1996. While raising her family and pursuing her career, she continued her musical interests, singing in church choirs, including more than 25 years as a member of the St. James Catholic Church Adult Choir. Unfortunately, she was not able to share her retirement years with Ralph. Following 36 years of marriage, Ralph passed away suddenly in 1995. Marie spent her retirement years enjoying her grandchildren, singing, playing cards, and socializing with friends, including those in her Red Hat Club.

Marie is survived by her brother, James (Jane) Salus; her children, Ralph T. (Barb) Orcutt, Michael (Cheryl) Orcutt, Timothy Orcutt, and Julie (Anthony) Gerke; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; her parents, Frank and Adronie; and her daughter-in-law, Winora Orcutt.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 18, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Onalaska. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday evening at the church and one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Marie A. Orcutt to Bethany St. Joseph Corporation.