Mary Jo Thorlton

Mary Jo Thorlton, age 41 of Denzer, passed away at her home on Oct. 11, 2025 after a courageous battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease. Mary was born on Oct. 27, 1983 in Sauk City, WI to Larry and Sheryl (Markert) Thorlton. Mary was a 2002 graduate of Sauk Prairie High School where, at the age of 16, she took the CNA course and became a certified CNA. She started working at Maplewood Sauk Prairie where she continued to work for 14 years, she then worked at The Pines Senior Living for another 10 years as an RA in the memory care unit.

On March 21st, 2024 Mary was diagnosed with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease, a horrible disease for which there is no cure. Her ALS progressed quickly and she had to quit the job she loved. This was very devastating for her as she had always been the caregiver not the one needing care.

Some of Mary’s favorite times were spent in Necedah at her grandparents’ home the “Pagel Resort” camping out with her family and friends. Mary was the organizer for many special events; tubing trips, “Geezer Games”, family parties. She was also an instigator of mischief involving her many younger cousins. Mary will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Mary is survived by her parents, Larry and Sheryl Thorlton, her brothers Michael (Melissa) Thorlton and Matthew Thorlton, her grandmother Karen Pagel, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, her significant other Jake Brodeur, plus her furry friends Aurora and Rocket

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Roman Pagel, Merlin Markert, Rose and Roger Johnson and Delbert Thorlton, an aunt Tammy (Pagel) Mazerek, other relatives and friends, and her special canine companion Groot.

Arrangements for a Celebration of Life are pending and will be held at a later date.

Thank you to all the family, friends and former co-workers who supported Mary and her family throughout her journey with ALS.

Mary Jo’s family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for all of the wonderful care Mary received, especially her nurse Rae; also a special thank you to Jake for always being there for Mary, for all his patience and the great care he gave her throughout her courageous battle with this horrible disease.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com