Mary Louise Stursa, 74, of Hayfield, Minnesota, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Saint Marys Campus.

She was born June 6, 1942, in Owatonna, Minnesota, the daughter of Louis and Mary (Skalicky) Stursa. Following her graduation from Marian High School in Owatonna, Mary Lou attended the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, where she received her teaching degree. She taught in Austin Public Schools from 1964 until her retirement in 1998. Mary Lou was a member of the Austin Education Association, the Minnesota Education Association, the National Education Association, the League of Women Voters, the AAUW, and the College of St. Scholastica Alumni Association.  Mary Lou attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hayfield, and in her leisure time she enjoyed traveling in her van and spending time at her cabin.

Mary Lou is survived by her brother, Marvin, of Centreville, Maryland; her godchildren, Mary, Kim Stursa Brown, and Joseph Rysavy; nieces and nephews Amy, Kim, Jill, Alison, Brett, and Kelly; and several great-nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Gary Stursa; and her special friend, Al Kording.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hayfield with Father Thomas Niehaus officiating. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday morning prior to the service at church. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Owatonna.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to St. Scholastica Mary Louise Stursa Educational Scholarship Fund, St. Mary’s School in Owatonna, or a recipient of the donor’s choice.

Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.