Alli Esther Mondroski, age 98, of Mercer, WI, passed away peacefully at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, WI, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, following a short illness. Family remained at her side during this time.

Alli was born on December 19, 1926, in Tripoli, WI, the youngest child of Finnish Immigrants Oscar Purola and Laimi Pikkumaki Purola. Before arriving in the United States in 1913, her mother Laimi had attempted to book passage on the Titanic, but thankfully, tickets were no longer available. In 1930, Alli moved with her parents and three siblings to Mercer. She began first grade in 1933, speaking only Finnish, and graduated from Mercer High School in 1945.

Alli is survived by her children, Jean Duensing, Mercer, WI, Mona Mondroski, Madison, WI, and Jack Mondroski, Cottage Grove, WI; step-child, Judy Mondroski Blake, Northbrook, Illinois; eleven grandchildren; Christopher, Celeste, Michael, Jennifer (Jim), Robert (Amber), Danica (John), Holly, Erik, Joel (Nicole), Jana (Brian), Angela, and fifteen great-grandchildren; Menley, Mathew, Emily, Charlotte, Will, Alex, Daniel, AJ, Evan, Amber, Dylan, Kylie, Keane, Oskar and Carter.

Alli was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law, Fred Duensing, step-son, Chuck Mondroski (Janise), step-son-in-law, Jim Blake, and siblings, Jack Purola, William Purola, and Lillian Purola Buck (Raymond).

Alli was the beloved librarian at the Mercer Public Library for 34 years, from 1964 to 1998, a job she very much enjoyed. Thoughts from former young patrons include "Mercer has lost a legend; so many of us loved her and our library time as kids," "she was such a wonderful lady, always kind to us kids at the library," and "she was one of my favorite people in my early childhood." Alli took the Library Science Course by mail, through the UW Extension, Madison.

Alli enjoyed reading at home, sometimes more than one book concurrently. She enjoyed attending her children's and grandchildren's school and church events, spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, caring for her many cats over the years, feeding and watching the wildlife, and her Finnish heritage. She was an accomplished seamstress. Alli was very generous with her time, helping others or offering transportation for shopping or church.

Alli instilled in her children a strong work ethic, the value of an education, generosity to others, concern for the environment, and empathy for animals. Her grandchildren fondly remember her for inspiring their generosity and their love of reading. They appreciate their grandmother's ability to suggest books that fit their personalities and to encourage them to learn through reading. Alli's grandchildren cherish the time spent with their grandmother at the library. Granddaughter Jana Kane admits to occasionally, intentionally missing the school bus home so she had an excuse to spend time at the library under the guise of needing a ride.

Until her recent illness, Alli was able to remain in her home, given care by her children Jean, Mona, and Jack, and more recently, with help from granddaughters Holly Duensing, Jana Kane, and caregiver Amy.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Marshfield Hospital in Minocqua for their medical expertise and kindness, the staff at the Hospice House for their compassionate care, and Amy for her kind ways and help at home.

In accordance with Alli's wishes, a private funeral was held at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church with burial at the Mercer cemetery. Memorials may be made in Alli's name to the Mercer Public Library or the Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff.