Ursula Mary (Guinan) Motsinger

Ursula (Ummie) Motsinger, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, died on April 22nd. Born in 1937, she was 85 years young.

Ursula Mary Guinan, an Irish lass, was born in rural DeWitt to William and Mary (Downey) Guinan. She lived her early years on the family farm near DeWitt, Iowa before graduating from Marycrest College and being employed as a teacher. A reading specialist for many years, she settled into 2nd grade teaching, nurturing a love for learning and reading with all the children she taught. Visiting Ireland several times, she spent time teaching abroad in Galway. Her love for teaching continued well beyond a typical retirement age; and her love for reading continued until her death.

On June 18, 1960, she married William (Bill) Motsinger at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in DeWitt. Ursula and Bill lived their married life and raised their children in Berwyn, IL, Framingham, MA, Downers Grove, IL, and Lake Geneva, WI.

In addition to her love of teaching, reading and her Irish heritage, Ummie was a long-time “Friends" of the Lake Geneva library, and an avid bridge player. As well, her girlfriends were precious to her, often joining her in shenanigans and social events, cards and cuisine.

Ursula was predeceased by her husband, Bill; her parents; and her sister, Catherine Popenhagen. She is survived by her children, Joe (Joan) Motsinger of Boulder, CO, and Anne (Tom) Tenney of Lake Geneva, WI. She has 5 grandchildren who when sharing with Ummie how much they loved her, she would only reply “I love you more.”  They are: Shannon (Sam) Casson , Logan Tenney, Madeline Motsinger, Mackenzie Motsinger and Matt Motsinger.

A Mass of Resurrection will take place this summer

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Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting Ursula's family.

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