Mary Lou Cathrin (LaTour) Kroyer, 89

Mary Lou Cathrin (LaTour) Kroyer, 89, passed suddenly at home on Saturday, November 2, 2024, just days before her 90th birthday. Born at home in Shakopee on November 8, 1934, to Nicholas and Hildegarde (Unze) LaTour. Mary Lou lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and community service.

A 1953 graduate of Shakopee High School, Mary Lou married James Kroyer in May 1955, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted 62 years until his passing in 2017. Together they raised eight children, including one with Down Syndrome, an accomplishment she considered both her greatest challenge and proudest achievement.

Mary Lou's passion for nurturing extended beyond her family to her beloved garden, where she tended to many beautiful flowers and delighted in watching the birds that visited. She found joy in music and dancing throughout her life, interests that reflected her vibrant spirit.

Known for her legendary kolacky, breads, and cookies at area farmers markets, Mary Lou's baking brought smiles to countless faces. Her 26-year career as a cook at Mala Strana until age 70 followed earlier work as a seamstress and housekeeper. She approached every role with dedication and care, always finding ways to help others.

Her commitment to community service was exemplary, including 32 years on the board of Le Sueur County Developmental Services, Inc. She volunteered extensively with Queen of Peace Hospital, K of C Auxiliary, the Arc, two 4-H clubs, and St. Scholastica Church, where she served on the Rosary Society, Parish Council, and as Festival Chair.

An adventurous spirit led her to travel both nationally and internationally, even parasailing in Mexico and visiting relatives and friends in Europe. She maintained deep friendships, especially with her lifelong friend Loretta, her Home Extension Club "gals," and her many neighbors and church friends. In her quiet moments, she enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and recently discovered joy in painting and puzzle-solving.

Mary Lou is survived by her children and their spouses: Ken (Laurie), Steve (Doris), Linda (Steve), Diane (Tony), Jeff (Ann), Rick (Mary Beth), Scott (Pam), and Becky; 17 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Eugene (Jackie) LaTour and brothers- and sisters-in-law Betty Kroyer, Shirley and Chuck Kadrlik, and Tom Kroyer.

She was preceded in death by her husband James Kroyer; infant son David; parents Hildegarde and Nicholas LaTour; siblings, Jerome LaTour, Lorraine Latzke, and Elrene 'Dick' LaTour; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Robert Kroyer, Mary Ellen and Buck Feltman.

Visitation will be held at Bruzek Funeral Home, New Prague on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A Christian Mass will be celebrated at St. Scholastica Catholic Church, Heidelberg, Thursday, November 7, with Fr. Theisen officiating at 11:00 a.m., with burial following immediately after.

Mary Lou wished to be remembered as a good Christian and citizen, a hard-working farm wife, and a loving mother. She achieved these goals and more, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love that will forever inspire those who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, New Prague.

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