Martha Neis

Martha A. Neis, age 84, of Bloomington, passed away Monday, May 11, 2026, at Stone Hill Community in Dubuque, Iowa. She was born to Leo & Clara (Hendrichs) Mergen. Martha graduated from Bloomington High School in 1960. On January 6, 1962, she was united in marriage to Carl J. Neis at St. Mary’s Help of Christians Church in Glen Haven.

Martha dedicated many years of her life to serving her community through her work preparing meals for students at Bloomington and River Ridge Schools, where she became known for her care, kindness, and familiar presence. She had a creative spirit and loved crafting, including making soaps, cards, and candles. Martha also enjoyed spending time at the casino and cherished playing cards and bingo with family and friends. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Survivors include her children: Sue (Kevin) Kaufman, Tom (Jen), Laurie (Brian Whalen), and Kevin (Kyla); nine grandchildren: Brett Kaufman, Kyle Kaufman, Kasey Kluesner, Kyle Mueller, Austin Neis,  Alyssa Neis, Gabby Neis, Cade Stark and Teyl Stark; nine great-grandchildren; her sister Janice (Leon) Stern; her sister-in-law Mary Jane Thole, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carl; her parents, Leo and Clara Mergen; her brothers, Robert and Peter Mergen; her brother-in-law, Donald Neis; and her sisters-in-law, Mary Neis and Mary Mergen.

The Neis family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Stone Hill Community and Assisi Village for their compassionate care of Martha.

There will be a private Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be given to the West Grant Rescue Squad. Cards of condolences in Martha’s memory may be mailed to Melby Funeral Home, P.O. Box 245, Platteville, Wisconsin 53818.