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Mary Lou Klingfus, 88, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Friday, April 3, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare in Austin.

Mary was born to George and Edith (Coogan, Dickens) Sprague on April 27, 1931, in Austin. She was united in marriage with Robert (Bob) Klingfus on Oct. 25, 1947, in Austin. The couple lived in Austin, Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, and Rockford, Illinois. After Bob’s death in Rockford at

the early age of 40, a result of diabetes complications, Mary returned to Austin. In her early years, Mary worked as a waitress at the Home Café, as an egg “Candler” at a farm store in Blooming Prairie, electrical manufacturer in Rockford, and Dickens Greenhouse in Austin, growing plants, designing and making bouquets and floral arrangements until it closed in 1992. Mary then took a position at Trade Mart Furniture Store and subsequently Milo Mach’s flower garden. Mary loved bowling and spent many years rolling the ball at Echo Lanes in Austin. In 1964, she became a certified bowling instructor. She enjoyed an occasional bus trip to the casino. Mary was Hospital Chairperson for the Military Order of the Cooties and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary. She was a devout member of New Beginnings in Christ Faith Church of Austin. Mary will be missed by all who loved and knew her.

Bob and Mary never had children. She is survived by many nieces and nephews in Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents, George and Edith Sprague; three brothers and four sisters, Edith (Doc) Coogan, Floretta (Betty) Bluhm, Kenneth Coogan, Doris Krueger, Carlton Lucille “Lucy” Bauer, Gnada, Calreton (Carly) Coogan and Myrtle Peterson. Mary was the last member of her family.

A private funeral service for Mary will be celebrated at a later date. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.