Mary Lou Schmidt, 86, of Janesville and formerly of Milton, passed away on Sept. 5, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Janesville. Mary Lou was born in Ft. Atkinson, to Jerome Howard and Mable Ritchie von Falkenstein, on June 30, 1939. She grew up and attended school in Milton, graduating from Milton Union High School in 1957. She attended college in Whitewater and Milton. Mary Lou’s parents owned and operated Unique Dry Cleaners in Milton.
Mary Lou von Falkenstein was united in marriage with William Frederick Schmidt on Nov. 26, 1960, at the Milton Methodist Church. They were parents of Cynthia Katherine Schmidt and Rebecca Louise Schmidt. Mary Lou and Bill lived in Milton, Janesville, Sarasota, Florida, and Westfield. Mary Lou served Marquette County as Deputy Clerk of Circuit Count and Clerk of Circuit Court for 30 years, retiring on Dec. 31, 2006. William preceded Mary Lou in death on March 4, 2003.
Mary Lou was a loving presence in all our lives, faithfully attending family gatherings, school functions, and every milestone along the way. Always in the stands or cheering from the sidelines, she made sure no moment was unnoticed. She especially cherished watching Alex and Jess grow up, celebrating each achievement and moment with pride and joy. Her gentle spirit, constant encouragement, and unwavering love created memories that will be treasured forever. She touched so many with her kindness and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Mary Lou is survived by daughters Cynthia Katherine (Ken) Balestrieri, and Rebecca Louise (Tim) Devries; granddaughter Jessica Katherine Balestrieri; brothers, Barry Alan von Falkenstein of Milton and Jerry Lee von Falkenstein of Hillsboro, sister-in-law, Polly (Bil) Higgins of St. Petersburg, Florida; nieces, Amy (Chris) Sheridan and Katherine von Falkenstein Hahn; nephews, David (Jill) von Falkenstein, Kurt von Falkenstein, Tom (Rachel) McDonald, and Jay von Falkenstein; great-nieces Lily and Maren; and great nephews Keegan, Connor, Myles, and Jerry Lee.
Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; grandson Alex Phillip Balestrieri; sisters-in-law Helene York von Falkenstein of Hillsboro, Fran McBride von Falkenstein of Milton, and Melissa Schmidt Littlewood of Sarasota, Florida.
Memorials may be made in Mary Lou’s name to Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center, PO Box 221, Milton, WI 53563.
Mary Lou will be laid to rest during a private inurnment service with her late husband William at Milton East Cemetery in Milton.
Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Elkhorn is assisting the family. For on-line condolences, please visit www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.
