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 Lucile 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.

From an early age, Mary Lou was a dedicated helper to her father, learning to milk cows at six years old and drive horses at the tender age of seven. Those early years on the farm helped shape the strong, capable, and determined woman she would become.

After graduating from high school, Mary Lou worked at Auto-Lite in La Crosse for two years while completing a two-year rural teacher training program at La Crosse State Teacher’s College. Her passion for education led her to a rewarding career as an educator. She first taught and served as principal of the two-room school at Lewis Valley School and later taught at Brookside School.

On June 5, 1954, Mary Lou married Duane Pfaff, beginning a new chapter of her life filled with love, family, and cherished memories. Together, they raised four children. Mary Lou was an excellent cook, baker, gardener, and home canner.  She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family.  Mary Lou was a frequent volunteer at her children’s school and took great pride in being actively involved in their education. She believed in helping others and making a difference, whether through her service in the community or through the many lives she touched. At a time when women were not always encouraged to take on certain roles, Mary Lou confidently taught many friends and family members how to drive, helping them gain independence and confidence.

Ironically, as a young mother she was a dedicated volunteer, collecting donations for the American Heart Association. Years later, she faced her own heart challenges, being diagnosed with heart failure at the age of 70. True to her determined spirit, Mary Lou lived with and managed this disease for over 25 years, continuing to embrace life, family, and the people she loved. She also worked alongside Duane in cheese factories, including one they owned and operated together. Later in life, they opened and operated Le Coulee Cheese Castle in West Salem, 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 Lucile Jones; her father- and mother-in-law, Franklin and Kathryn Pfaff; her siblings, Patricia Stetzer, Janice Lash, Carol Storandt, James Jones, and Clifton “Billy” Jones; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Leo Stetzer, Vilas Lash, Reuben Storandt, Donna Jones, 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 Franklin Gerke, Emily Jo (Adam) Reinart, Nolan Pfaff, and Dane Pfaff; and her great-granddaughter, Lucille Jo 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 unwavering devotion to her family. Her life reflected the values she learned growing up on the farm: faithfulness, hard work, love of family, and care for others. She leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue through the generations who were blessed to know and love her.

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

Our family will forever be grateful to the nurses, CNAs, and other hands-on caregivers at Morrow Home who became such an important part of Mary Lou’s life. Your gentle touch, warm smiles, and compassionate care brought her comfort and allowed our family peace of mind. Thank you for treating her with such dignity, respect, and kindness.

Condolences may be made to the family at CouleeCremation.com