Mary Lou Van Rossum

Van Rossum, Mary LouMIDDLETON/MADISON - Mary Lou Rossum, joined her Lord and Savior in the Heavenlies on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010. Born Oct. 27, 1933 in Southern Minnesota, Mary Lou lived most of her adult life in Wisconsin, as wife and mother of four in Milwaukee, and then many years in her beloved Madison - Middleton area, where she was a long-term member of the Saint Benedict's Community. Mary Lou greatly loved our Lord, had a passion for theology, and a compassionate heart to minister to the hurting. She also was enthralled with the glory of nature and the cosmos as an expression of God's being. Mary Lou was a graduate of Mankato State Teachers College, and later received a Master's Degree in Theology and Pastoral Ministry from Saint Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, and began a career as Chaplain/Clinical Minister. Later, through Holy Names College in California, she earned a Doctorate of Philosophy, paired with a second Master's in Creation Spirituality. From her deep love of spirituality and nature, Mary Lou authored the book "Reinhabiting the Earth", published in 1994. Mary Lou is survivied by her sister, Jean Zeug Herman; cousin, who was as a brother to her, Robert Martinka, Sr.; children, Roberta Van Rossum, Eric Van Rossum, Scott Van Rossum, and Paul Van Rossum; daughters-in-law, Amy Van Rossum and Lynda Van Rossum; and grandchildren, Matthew Van Rossum and Hannah Van Rossum. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph J. Zeug and Mayme Zeug of Lucan, Minnesota; and former husband, Thomas Van Rossum. A celebration of Mary Lou's life will be at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 11,2010, with Fr. Kenneth Smits presiding. Visitation will be at thefuneral homefrom 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The family has deep gratitude for the tender and warm-hearted care given by the staff of Haacks Tendercare, and the hospice and social workers of Dane County. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary Lou may be made to either Amnesty International, or the Holy Wisdom Monestary's Prairie Restoration/Nature Trails project. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary Lou may be made to either Amnesty International, or the Holy Wisdom Monestary's Prairie Restoration/Nature Trails project. Visitation: Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Service: A celebration of Mary Lou's life will be at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 11,2010, with Fr. Kenneth Smits presiding.