Mary Lou Korwes, of Spirit Lake, passed away peacefully at the Accura Nursing Home in Spirit Lake on October 30, 2023, at the age of 87.
A funeral service for Mary Lou Korwes will be held Saturday November 11, 2023, at 10:30am, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. There will be a time of lunch and fellowship following the burial at St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Spirit Lake.
Mary Lou was born in Bradgate, Iowa, on October 3, 1936. After graduating from Rolfe High School, she attended Buena Vista College and became an elementary school teacher. She devoted her life to working with young children and taught for 39 years, primarily teaching in Ackley. Upon her retirement, Mary Lou continued to teach as a substitute in and around the Iowa Great Lakes for several years. She enjoyed running a daycare at Village East and volunteering at the library.
Mary Lou was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. Mary Lou also served as a eucharistic minister, was a member of the Catholic Daughters, religious education teacher and served as a church volunteer. As a volunteer, she provided meals and support for fellow congregants. Mary Lou enjoyed visiting with friends and keeping up with the news about town and also enjoyed the occasional day trip to the casino.
When at home, Mary Lou was a meticulous housekeeper and an outstanding cook. She made the best cookies, pies, bars, and all manner of delicious desserts. Her potato salad was perfection. Mary Lou was a voracious reader and enjoyed Hallmark movies. Mary Lou adored her granddaughters and spoke of them often to her friends and family. She delighted in and celebrated their accomplishments at every opportunity and was rooting for them always. Mary Lou enjoyed traveling and she and Gilbert frequently traveled to Texas to enjoy time with Lisa, David, and the girls.
Mary Lou is survived by her daughter Lisa Gear, son-in-law David, and her twin granddaughters, Madison and Savannah. She is also survived by her brother, Richard (Margaret) Dailey; and sisters, Patricia O’Connell and Karen Widestrom.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Gilbert Korwes; parents, Glenn and Pauline Dailey; and her brother Merle Dailey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dickinson County Conservation Nature Center, the Spirit Lake Public Library or Lakes Regional Hospice.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
