Mary Lou Heise

With both sorrow and celebration of a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Mary Lou Heise, who peacefully left this world on March 27, 2025, at the age of 84, in her Oconomowoc, WI home. Mary Lou was born on March 5, 1941, in Norwood, WI, to Kolburn and Mercedes (Carley) Helgeson. Raised in Mattoon and Phlox, WI, she shared a special bond with her sister, Joanne Grazdiel (Helgeson) of Shawano, WI, with whom she remained close throughout her life.

In the early 1960s, Mary Lou moved to Milwaukee, WI, where she worked at the Allen Bradley Corporation. It was there that she met Robert (Bob) Heise. They married in 1964 and had two daughters, Linda and Catherine, eventually moving to Sussex, WI. Together, Bob and Mary Lou spent 54 wonderful years of marriage, until Bob’s passing in 2018.

In the 1980s, after dedicating many years as a stay-at-home mom, Mary Lou returned to the workforce at Kohl’s corporate office and warehouse. She retired after over 25 years of service, achieving the status of a lifetime employee and was given the well-earned lifetime discount, something she was very proud of. After spending 25 years in Sussex, Mary Lou and Bob moved to the tranquil countryside of Oconomowoc, WI for their retirement, where they enjoyed many years together. 

Mary Lou was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Sussex for 50 years, where she served on many committees. Her faith was an important cornerstone of her life.

She had a zest for life and enjoyed many hobbies throughout her years. She and Bob were charter members of the Sitzmark Ski Club of Milwaukee, forming lifelong friendships and creating cherished memories on the slopes. Her other passions included snowshoeing, gardening, lawn care, golf, painting, ceramics, crafting, and shopping trips. She was known for her love of baking, especially her Christmas cookies and desserts. Mary Lou and Bob’s fondest vacation was for their 25th anniversary, a cruise to the Caribbean with friends.

She loved being a grandmother. Known as “Grandma Lou,” she took pride in attending the art shows, soccer and tennis games, and other activities of her three grandchildren—Hanna, Dane, and Cole.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughters; Linda Milos (Heise) and Cathy (Jason) Petersen (Heise), and her beloved grandchildren; Hanna Milos, Dane Petersen, and Cole Petersen, sister; Joanne Grazdiel (Helgeson), sister-in-laws; Barb (Don) Senzig, and Peggy Heise, nephews; Craig Senzig, David Senzig, Heath Heise, niece; Heidi Heise and many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband; Robert Heise, her parents; Kolburn and Mercedes Helgeson, brother-in-laws; Stan (Joanne) Grazdiel, and Ernie (Carol) Heise, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral service will be held in her honor at Peace Lutheran Church in Sussex, WI on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Peace Lutheran Church

W240 N6145 Maple Ave. 

P.O. Box 123 Sussex, WI 53089

The service schedule for Saturday, April 5 is as follows:

Visitation: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Funeral Service: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Interment/Burial: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch to follow at Peace Lutheran Church

For those that are unable to attend the service, please join us via this livestream link. youtube.com/@peacelutheranchurchandacade-my/streams

Mary Lou’s kindness, joy, smile, and faith touched the lives of all who knew her, and she will be remembered by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations may be made to Peace Lutheran Church and Academy or to the Wisconsin Humane Society.