Mary Lou Burczyk

MONONA- Mary Lou Burczyk, age 89, of Monona, passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at Our House Senior Living in Lodi, of Alzheimer’s. She was born in Midland, Mich. on April 12, 1929, the daughter of August & Beulah (Kleinhans) Schaefer.  She was united in marriage to Casimir A. Burczyk on Aug. 6, 1949. Mary Lou was a proud wife, mother & homemaker who also excelled in creative endeavors such as singing, piano, sewing, arts and crafts.  She volunteered at local schools, Midland Hospital and was a member of the service clubs "Sisters of the Skillet" and "Bronson Club.” In 1969, she moved with her family to Monona. She volunteered at the UW-Hospital, the Wisconsin Historical Society Museum as a docent, and as a City of Monona poll worker. Mary Lou was a member of Monona Landmarks Commission from 1993 to 2015 serving as Chair from 1993 to 2012. During this time she conducted extensive research on local Native American history.  She was instrumental in the recognition and dedication of the Outlet Mound (1998), the Tomkins-Brindler Mounds (2002), the Tower of Memories at Roselawn Memorial Park (2003) and Royal Airport (2005). She is one of the authors of the revision of the Landmarks Commission’s book, “City of Monona: Its Heritage and Landmarks” (2011) and was recognized by the City of Monona.  Mary Lou was honored to be named as a sister to the Ho Chunk nation and was a devoted friend to the Lac du Flambeau reservation. Mary Lou is survived by her four children, Steven Burczyk, Nancy (Randy) Spencer, Kenneth D. (Barbara) Burczyk and Anne (Christopher) Acker; six grandchildren, Rae Burczyk (Kohei) Sumihara, Jennifer C. Beetem, Kenneth (Andrea) Spencer, Charlotte (Joseph) Mollendick, Elizabeth Beetem and Craig (Courtney) Spencer; and four great-grandchildren, Sean, Gavin, Kenzo and Taizo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Casimir; and sisters, Ruth Schaefer and Dorothy Lange Pischel. Her kindness to all, her energy, and strong beliefs in leaving the world a better place for having been here, has inspired her family and friends. The family gives heartfelt thanks to the wonderful, caring people at Our House Senior Living in Lodi and Agrace HospiceCare. In keeping with Mary Lou’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, http://www.wai.wisc.edu. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420