Mary Lou Wolter, 90, of Waterloo, died on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Pinnacle Specialty Care in Cedar Falls under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice.
She was born May 12, 1934, in Waterloo, the daughter of Clarence and Leona (Raine) Barber. She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in 1952. She married Paul J. Wolter on April 16, 1955, at St. John's Catholic Church in Waterloo.
Mary Lou was the teen editor for the Courier in high school. After graduation she worked full-time in the Courier newsroom until her first child was born. For the next 40 years, she gave tours at the Courier. She volunteered for many years at Covenant Medical Center, and served as president of the auxiliary when Schoitz and St. Francis merged. She served as a board member of the NE Iowa Food Bank. She was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Waterloo and was active in her parish. She enjoyed lifelong friendships with her coffee and bridge groups.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Paul Wolter of Waterloo; three daughters, Paula (Jeff) Keys of Cottage Grove, MN, Diane Wolter of Coon Rapids, MN, and Joan (Dan) Dalan of Fargo, ND; two sons, Matt (Nancy) Wolter of Shoreview, MN, and Andy Wolter of Waterloo; nine grandchildren, Nick (Sarah) Keys of Stillwater, MN, Erin (Justine) Keys-Seidel of Mendota Heights, MN, Kaylee (Ryan) McDonagh of Tampa Bay, FL, Danny (Kirstie) Wolter of White Bear Township, MN, Ryan (Theresa) Wolter of Little Falls, MN, Lindsey (Andrew) Walker of Dellwood, MN, Joe Wolter of Cedar Falls, Jacob Wolter of Cedar Falls, and Andrew Wolter of Waterloo; 13 great-grandchildren, Alexa and Granger Keys, Leo and Vivian Keys-Seidel, Falan, Murphy, and Nola McDonagh, Elliott, Lillian, Sophia, and Callum Wolter, Leighton and Brady Walker; a brother, Charles "Chuck" (Jean) Barber of Kodiak, AK; a sister, Patricia Sullivan of Sheridan; and a sister-in-law, Jean Barber of Waterloo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Ruhle; and a brother, James Barber.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025, at St. Edward Catholic Church with burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, both in Waterloo. Visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, with a 5:00 rosary service and 7:00 p.m. vigil service. Memorials may be directed to Sisters of Mercy. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.