MONONA / DEFOREST / WAUNAKEE - Mary Lou Droster, age 93, of Waunakee, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Home Again Assisted Living. She was born on October 13, 1932, in Elmwood, Wis., the daughter of Carl and Ruth (Smith) Baier.

She graduated from Elmwood High School and from St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse, Wis. On October 24, 1953, she married Robert Droster at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, she enjoyed a long career as a registered nurse at Methodist, Madison General and St. Mary’s Hospitals in Madison until her retirement. After retirement, she began a second career as the alterations manager for Bormann’s clothing store in Monona.

Mary Lou was creative, with many artistic talents. She enjoyed sewing-from minor alterations to new creations-and lovingly crafted many wedding and bridesmaid dresses over the years. Cooking and baking were her passions, and she found joy in sharing her delicious food with her loved ones. She loved spending time with her family and friends and enjoyed traveling and camping. Mary Lou was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Olaf Catholic Churches, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, and the Wisconsin Region of the Model A Restorers Club.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen Beard and Jeanne (Jack) Barham; son, Bruce (Lauri) Droster; sister, Judy (Robert) Giardina; brother, James Baier; granddaughters, Jessica and Jalaine; grandson, Ian; great-granddaughters, Jaden, Jenna and Jordyn; as well as other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Duane Droster; sisters, Marjorie (Robert) Weyer, Shirley (Norbert) Jensen and Lorraine (Dan) McCardle; brother, Willard (Nina) Baier; son-in-law, Neal Beard; and sister-in-law, Joanne Baier.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. OLAF CATHOLIC CHURCH, 623 Jefferson St., DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, with Father Jim Leeser presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens in Cottage Grove, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Mary Lou requests that memorials may be made to an organization or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Mary Droster

October 13, 1932 - October 30, 2025

Share photos of Mary