Mary Lou Rutz 95, of Lake City, MN., died Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Gundersen St. Elizabeth's Care Center in Wabasha, MN. She was born May 30, 1928, in Reads Landing, MN, the daughter of Frank and Mary Ann Wallerich. On October 28, 1950, Mary Lou married the "man she let catch her", Leon E. Rutz, at St. Felix Catholic Church in Wabasha.

She is survived by three daughters, Janet (Bill) Bruce of Frontenac, MN. Judith Rutz of Rochester, MN.; and Jolyne Rutz of Lake City, MN; two sons, James of West St Paul, MN. and John (Patricia) of Inver Grove Heights, MN; one brother, Norbert Wallerich; and two grandchildren, Amanda Bruce (Aaron Sotak) and Jessica Bruce; and four great-grandchildren, Carson and Preston Leonhardt and Aubrey and Maggie Sotak.She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Rutz; three brothers and their wives, Joe (Mary) Wallerich of Reads Landing, Bob (Orlean) Wallerich of Plainview, Francis (Mary Pat) Wallerich of Wabasha; a sister-in-law, Colleen Wallerich; a great-grandson, Tyler Leonhardt.

Mary Lou was a humble woman who always placed her family as her highest priority. Her husband of over 50 years was the light of her life and she lived her entire life in selfless devotion and sacrifice for her family. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and there was nothing she enjoyed more than supporting them in all their activities and endeavors.

Coming in a distant second to these things would be quilting, sewing, flower and vegetable gardening. Mary Lou was also a woman of deep faith and had the patience of a saint. To all of those who knew her well she was a model of integrity, service, and commitment. To her immediate family she was simply "mom" - a name that became synonymous with unconditional love.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 4, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel and one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 5, at St. Mary of Lake Catholic Church in Lake City with Father Thé Hoang officiating. Burial will follow at St Mary's Catholic Cemetery.