Mary Lou Welk, 73, of Elk Mound, died unexpectedly on Monday, October 12, 2009, at her home.\r\nMary Lou was born October 23, 1935, in Eau Claire the daughter of Frederick L. and Vivian (Ritter) Stang. She graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1953.\r\nAfter high school she worked at National Presto Industries and married Roger Van Den Heuvel. They had two children together, Becky and Randy. \r\nMary Lou was united in marriage to James A. Welk on September 25, 1969, in Waukon, IA.\r\nMary Lou worked as a file clerk at Premium Finance Company in Eau Claire. She was also a playground supervisor at Lowes Creek Elementary School for ten years.\r\nMary Lou was a longtime member of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Eau Claire where she served on various committees. She was very involved with the Plymouth Youth which held a special place in her heart. Mary Lou was a huge fan of fast pitch soft ball where she made many friends. Following the passing of her daughter Jodi Lind, her purpose in life was to care for her two grandchildren, Nate and Ciera.\r\nMary Lou is survived by her husband of 40 years, James; two children Becky (Chris Schmitt) Van Den Heuvel of Charlottesville, VA, and Randy (Janis) Van Den Heuvel; three step-children, David (Cindy) Welk of Elk Mound, Sam Simonson of Eau Claire, Rhonda Welk of Las Vegas, NV; twelve grandchildren, Eric, Stacy, Kaitlyn, Nate, Ciera, Jaiceph, Shantel, Tyler, Cari, Richie, Tom, and Jim; seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Florence Marie Ussery of North Augusta, SC, and Leota Rasmussen of Eau Claire; her aunt Marion Schnell of La Crosse, WI; son-in-law, Rick Lind of Elk Mound; and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents; and her daughter, Jodi Lind.\r\nMemorial services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2009, at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Eau Claire with Rev. David Huber officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home.\r\nMemorials are preferred to the Plymouth Congregational Youth Group, 2010 Moholt Dr., Eau Claire, WI 54703.

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