Mary Louise Walker

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Walker, age 90, of Lancaster, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on May 25, 1933, in Lancaster, the daughter of Celestine “Cel” and Catherine “Rena” (Ertz) Pink.  Mary Lou attended St. Clement Catholic School and graduated from Lancaster High School in 1951.  She furthered her education at Mercy School of Nursing in Dubuque, IA, graduating with her RN degree in 1954.  On February 16, 1955, Mary Lou was united in marriage to John D. Walker at St. Clement Catholic Church.  She began her working career as a Registered Nurse at Lancaster Memorial Hospital from 1955 until 1963.  Mary Lou worked the night shift, getting home in time to get the kids off to school before heading to bed and then feeding them supper before heading back to work.   In September of 1955, after only three months on the job, Mary Lou delivered the first baby born in the newly constructed Lancaster Memorial Hospital.  Mary Lou, seven months pregnant with her first child, was called into action because the doctor’s arrival was delayed.  The thankful parents named their new baby Mary Lou in her honor.  Her next job was that of being a full-time mother to six “active” children, attending numerous school functions and sporting events.  The cookie jar was always full and there was always extra room at the dinner table for any of her children’s friends. Then in 1969, to regain her sanity, she began her second career, which was at the Grant County Nurses Office.  Mary Lou was employed as a home health care nurse for 26 years until her retirement in 1995.  In addition to her nursing career, Mary Lou was an accomplished seamstress, providing alterations for Walker’s Clothing, the family business, for several years.   After her retirement in 1995, Mary Lou enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their summer cabin on the Ambro in Prairie du Chien, and hosting visitors and family at their winter home in Port Charlotte, FL.

Survivors include her six children: Jeff (Karen) Walker, David (Mona) Walker, Mike (Kate) Walker, Steve (Laurie) Walker, Sharon (Bruce) Friederick, and Tom (Signe) Walker; nineteen grandchildren: Alix (Ben), Taylor (Justin), Amber (Sawyer), Adam, Brock, Chelsey, Glenn (Kristen), Greg (Olga), Scott, Alyssa (Dan), Liz, Erin, Meg, Tom, Ellen (Bryant), Claire, Sam (Hailee), Janek (Lexi), and Hannah (Chase); 14 great-grandchildren; her siblings: Joe (Shirley) Pink and Mickey Thill; sister-in-law, Kay Pink; other relatives and many friends. 

In addition to her parents and her husband, John, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her siblings: Stan (Carol) Pink, Catherine “Catty” (Donald) Schindler, Norb (Shirley) Pink, Mark Pink; brother-in-law, Tom Thill and sister-in-law, Betty (Wayne) Pett.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father Steve Brunner officiating.  Burial will be in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster.  Family and friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.  In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to St. Clement Catholic School and/or Grant Regional Health Center OB department.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is entrusted with her care.

The family of Mary Lou Walker would like to thank Morningside Assisted Living staff and fellow residents for their respect, wonderful care, and friendship given to Mary Lou over the past five years.