Mary Lou (Jones) Pfaff passed away peacefully July 10, 2026, at Morrow Home in Sparta, Wisconsin.  She was born at home in Leon, Wisconsin, on August 27, 1930, to Rollen F. and Dorothy L. (McClintock) Jones.  She and her siblings were raised with a strong work ethic, learning the importance of family, perseverance, and hard work through their years growing up on the family farms in Leon and Mindoro, Wisconsin.

After graduating from high school, Mary Lou worked full-time while attending a two-year rural teacher training program at La Crosse State Teacher’s College.  She first taught at the two-room school at Lewis Valley School and later taught at Brookside School.

On June 5, 1954, Mary Lou married Duane Pfaff and together they raised four children.  Mary Lou was an excellent cook, baker, gardener, and overall homemaker and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family.

She also supported and worked alongside Duane in various cheese factories, including one they owned and operated together.  Later in life, they opened and operated Le Coulee Cheese Castle in West Salem for over twenty years, a cheese and ice cream shop where they shared their love of hard work, hospitality, and community with others.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Duane; her parents, Rollen and Dorothy Jones; her father- and mother-in-law, Franklin and Kathryn Pfaff; her siblings, James Jones, Patricia Stetzer, Janice Lash, Carol Storandt, and Clifton “Billy” Jones; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Donna Jones, Leo Stetzer, Willie Miller, Vilas Lash, Reuben Storandt, and Jean Jones.

She is survived by her children: Douglas (Beverly) Pfaff of Sorrento, Florida; Debra (Joseph) Gerke of Bangor, Wisconsin; Pamela (Rodney) Olson of Barre Mills, Wisconsin; and Robert (Dawn) Pfaff of Mineral Point, Wisconsin.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joel Gerke, Emily (Adam) Reinart, Nolan Pfaff, and Dane Pfaff; and her great-granddaughter, Lucille Reinart.  She also had many nieces and nephews whom she loved as dearly as her own children.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her strength, kindness, determination, and wonderful sense of humor.  Her life reflected the values she learned growing up: faithfulness, hard work, love of family, and care for others.

A private burial will follow at a later date.  Per Mary Lou’s request, please direct any memorials to The West Salem Historical Society (West Salem) or Sunshine on the Trail (Bangor).

Our family is grateful to the nurses, CNAs, and other hands-on caregivers at Morrow Home. Thank you for treating her with dignity, respect, and kindness.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.