Mary Combs

Mary L. Combs, 80, of Wilmington, NC and formerly of Polar passed away on Monday, February 14, 2022 at home in Wilmington. She was born on August 21, 1941 a daughter of the late Roland and Ruby (Zwicky) Combs.

Following her graduation from Antigo High School, Mary enrolled at Ripon College and completed her undergraduate degree at Oshkosh State University. After graduation from Oshkosh, Mary entered basic training at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas and received her Physical Therapy degree in 1964.

Mary was stationed in Landstuhl Germany during the Vietnam War and provided treatment for many soldiers who had been wounded while serving in Vietnam.

Mary served in the Army Medical Corps for 4 years, obtaining the rank of Captain prior to her medical retirement.

She was a proud pioneer in many ways. She showed the world that a woman could be just as educated and successful as any male counterpart.

Mary went on to earn her Master's Degree at The Ohio State University where she coached the University Women's Basketball team. She still holds the record for the highest winning percentage in women's basketball at OSU. Mary also served as the Athletic Trainer to the football team when Woody Hayes was the head coach. She enjoyed attending many college football bowl games as a team Alumni.

After several years at The Ohio State University, Mary began working for the state of Ohio, becoming the Chief Physical Therapist for the Nisonger Center. From there Mary began another stellar career working for Orient State Institute for developmentally disabled individuals serving as Special Assistant to the Superintendent for many years.

Mary finally decided to return to Wisconsin where she worked for more than 30 years as a Physical Therapist for various hospitals and agencies.

Faith was very important to Mary. While in Milwaukee she served as a chaplain supporting her faith community.

Mary loved traveling and was fortunate to have visited many places throughout the world.

After caring for her parents in Polar, she moved to Wilmington, NC with her sister, Dr. Sue Combs.

Mary had an amazing spot in her heart for her beloved pets. Her flower gardens were an endless passion with her shopping trips leading to one more flower pot on the deck.

She is survived by her sister, Dr. Sue Combs of Wilmington, NC; Susan Dean, caregiver and friend for many years, Judy Huibregtse (co-worker, life-long friend, and confidant) of Milwaukee; other relatives, and many friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her special aunt, Irma Zwicky; and many of her special furry companions since childhood.

Visitation for Mary will take place on Friday, February 18, 2022 at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, Antigo from 4:00 pm until the funeral service at 6:00 pm with Rev. Marvin Kindle officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Antigo Veterans. Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery, Antigo.

Please make memorial contributions in Mary's honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate or to the Langlade County Humane Society, Langlade County Humane Society, 2204 Clermont St, Antigo, WI 54409.

Strasser-Roller Funeral Home and Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences to Mary's family may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com