Mary Lou Besonen

Mary Lou Besonen of Hartland, WI, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, at the age of 79. Mary fought a courageous battle with dementia for almost ten years. 

Mary was born on April 18, 1945, to Walter and Ruth Dumler in Chippewa Falls, WI. Mary grew up in Spencer, WI, with her three brothers and three sisters. In her early twenties, Mary left Spencer with her cousin and moved to Milwaukee, WI, where she met her husband, Edward Besonen. After many youthful good times in Milwaukee, Mary and Edward moved to Hartland, WI, built a home, and started a family. In 1975, they welcomed their son Peter and then their daughter Ashley in 1982.

Like her mother, Mary had a passion for baking and never believed you had to wait until after dinner for dessert. She loved clothes, and while she didn’t always have a place to wear all of them, she would admire them in her closet. Mary loved Elvis, and her family hopes she may now be able to meet him. Most importantly, Mary devoted her life to her family, raising her children, and building a loving home. She will be dearly missed by her family, and all that had the pleasure of knowing her. Her loving heart and selfless nature will live on in the hearts of her family.

She is survived by her devoted husband and caregiver of 52 years, Edward, daughter Ashley (Dustin) Wolfgram, Merton, WI, and son Peter (Melanie) Besonen, Lannon, WI. She was a proud grandmother of four wonderful grandchildren, Emma, Hudson, Madeleine, and Alexandria, who brought so much joy and excitement to her life. 

She is also survived by her sisters Gloria (Richard) Schaefer of Marshfield, WI, Delores (Rick) Sapinski of Medford, WI, Barb Nowak of Eau Claire, WI, as well as her brothers Tom and Rick (Karen) Dumler of Spencer, WI.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ruth, her brother Lamont, and Edward’s parents, Peter and Martha Besonen. 

A private service will be held for Mary on Saturday, January 11, 2024, at Evert-Luko Funeral Home in Hartland, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.