Mary Walz

Mary Lou Walz, age 66 of Melrose, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at her home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 1 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating and Rev. Mitchell Bechtold concelebrating. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Melrose following the service.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose.

Mary Lou Larson was born April 23, 1951 in Alexandria, Minnesota to Lloyd and Dorothy (Jensen) Larson. On July 10, 1971, she was united in marriage to Gary Walz at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. Mary Lou made the world beautiful with style, kindness, and generosity. She was a talented florist and decorator professionally, for family and friends, and as a volunteer. She enjoyed contributing her time and talent to Bridging the Gap; a statewide women's ministry. Mary Lou enjoyed being Nana to her granddaughter, Liliana. She will be missed by many, especially by Gary and her children.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose and the Christian Mothers.

Survivors include her husband, Gary Walz of Melrose; children, Erica Walz of Monticello, Adam Walz of Moorhead, and Andy (Jill) Walz of Eagan; granddaughter, Liliana Erma Walz Seviour of Moorhead; sisters, Barb Friberg of Madison, Wisconsin and Julie (Jim) Wesen of Starbuck; and brother, Rick (Shelli) Larson of Forada.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Larson.

Serving as casket bearers will be Andy Walz, Adam Walz, Jim Wesen, Rick Larson, Chuck Walz, and Steve Walz. Cross bearer will be Liliana Erma Walz Seviour and scripture bearer will be Linda Van Beck. Readers will be Erica Walz and Jill Walz. Petitions will be read by Barb Friberg and Julie Wesen. Serving as gift bearers will be Pete Gruber and Diane Gruber and Eucharistic Ministers will be Ralph Van Beck and Elisha Seanger.