MADISON - With profound sadness and endless love, we announce that Mary Lou (Kestell) Trochlell passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, at Agrace HospiceCare in the company of her loving children.

Mary Lou was born August 19, 1937, to Lester and Stella Kestell, the eldest of six children. While a young woman, she excelled at marksmanship, competing and winning awards. Mary Lou left home early to work and eventually co-owned a women’s boutique clothing retailer with her aunt, Marie Masiak. After Marie retired, Mary Lou managed and expanded Katherine-K for another 15 years before retiring. Mary Lou married her partner for life, John R. “Jack” Trochlell on August 29, 1957, a relationship that lasted 55 years until Jack’s passing.

Mary Lou enjoyed her retirement years at her Black Oak Lake home, with frequent visits from family and her many friends. She was a member of the Manitowoc Yacht Club, the Land O’ Lakes Red Hats, a volunteer at the Land O’ Lakes Historical Museum, a member of the St. Albert’s parish and Altar Society and an avid card (esp. bridge) player.

While she held many roles throughout her life, the one she treasured most was being a mother and grandmother. She gave her children, John Trochlell and Jody (Trochlell) Derr, a lifetime of unconditional love, unwavering support, quiet strength, and countless sacrifices. Her family was always at the center of her heart.

Mary Lou’s kindness, gentle spirit, resilience, and deep love for those around her touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She created a home filled with warmth, compassion, and lasting memories. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled in her family and in the love that continues to bind them together.

Mary Lou leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing she is reunited with those who went before her and is now at peace. Her love will remain with us always, guiding us and reminding us of the extraordinary woman she was.

Mary Lou is survived by her son, John (Sharon) Trochlell; daughter, Jody (Nicholas) Derr; grandchildren, Rachel and Alex Trochlell, and Dillon and Lauren Derr; siblings, Robert (Beth) Kestell, Shirley (Stan) Bormann, Bernice (Gerry) Rohlich and Sharon (Larry) Ortmann; and many nieces and nephews. All were special to her.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, John Richard Trochlell; parents, Lester and Stella Kestell; brother, James Kestell; and brother-in-law, Bruce Somers.

A celebration of Mary Lou’s life will be held at ST. ALBERT’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4351 County Highway B, Land O’Lakes, Wis., at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor her memory to do so by spending time with loved ones, offering kindness to others, or making a memorial donation to St. Albert’s Parish of Land O’ Lakes, the Black Oak Lake Preservation Foundation, or Agrace HospiceCare of Fitchburg, Wis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.

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

Mary Trochlell

August 19, 1937 - July 22, 2026

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