Mary Lou Schmidt, age 86 of Janesville, WI and formerly of Milton, WI, passed away on September 5, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital in Janesville, WI. Mary Lou was born in Ft. Atkinson, WI, to Jerome Howard and Mable Ritchie von Falkenstein, on June 30, 1939. She grew up and attended school in Milton, WI, graduating from Milton Union High School in 1957. Mary Lou attended college in Whitewater, WI, and Milton, WI. Mary Lou's parents owned and operated Unique Dry Cleaners, in Milton, WI.

Mary Lou von Falkenstein was united in marriage with William Frederick Schmidt on November 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, WI, Janesville, WI, Sarasota, FL, and Westfield, WI. Mary Lou served Marquette County, WI as Deputy Clerk of Circuit Count and Clerk of Circuit Court for 30 years, retiring on December 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, as well as granddaughter; Jessica Katherine Balestrieri. Mary Lou is also survived by brothers; Barry Alan von Falkenstein, Milton, Wisconsin; Jerry Lee von Falkenstein; Hillsboro, Wisconsin; and sister-in-law, Polly (Bill) Higgins, St. Petersburg, Florida. She is also survived by nieces: Amy (Chris) Sheridan; Katherine von Falkenstein Hahn; and nephews: David (Jill) von Falkenstein; Kurt von Falkenstein, Tom (Rachel) McDonald, and Jay von Falkenstein; and, 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, Hillsboro, WI; Fran McBride von Falkenstein, Milton, WI; Melissa Schmidt Littlewood, Sarasota, FL.

Memorials may be made in Mary Lou's name to Hoo's Woods Raptor Center PO Box 21 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, WI.

Hoo's Raptor House
PO Box 221, Milton WI 53563