Mary Lou Keegan

Mary Lou Keegan, 93, passed away peacefully at Lake Hallie Memory Care on November 14, 2023. She was born on May 26, 1930, to Archie and Carrie (Berg) McCann in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

Mary Lou grew up on the family farm in Eagleton, WI, and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School. After high school, she attended the University of Eau Claire, majoring in Elementary Education, and graduated with high honors. Following graduation, she moved to Escondido, CA with her two best friends and began her long and successful teaching career.

She met and married Thomas Keegan on May 27, 1955 at Grace Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA. In 1958, they moved to Chippewa Falls, WI, where they raised 4 children and she continued to teach Kindergarten for 40 more years at Stillson School. Following retirement, Mary Lou continued to mentor students for many years. She was also very involved in church organizations, Habitat for Humanity, Gardening Club, and mostly – her family!

Mary Lou’s calling was teaching, the schoolroom, where she excelled. She loved teaching and all the children fortunate enough to be in her classroom were truly blessed with a special gift. Even in her last years, she would express her love for “the kids”.

Mary Lou’s family was always the most important and cherished thing in her life. She was the perfect role model with a positive zest for life and a witty sense of humor. Her laugh was infectious and filled the room. She was loved very much and will be missed.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Barbara (Gary) Fox, Karyl (Dennis) Brandstatter, Kriss (Paul) Keegan, and Tom (Cheryl) Keegan; grandchildren, Krissy Wilson, Krystal (Justin) Brandstatter Knudson, Michelle Boiteau, Katelin (Mathew) Maidment, Michael Brandstatter, Kyle Keegan, Kelsey (Cory) Layman, Kendall Keegan, Nikki (Brian) Byrd, and Ashli, Alan, and Katie Fox; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Judith (Lyle) Felmlee; brother, Dick (Janice) McCann; sister-in-law, Lorraine McCann; and several nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas; brothers, Jack and Thomas McCann; and beloved grandson, Keegan Crist.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin with Pastor Karen Behling officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-12p.m prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Her family would like to express their appreciation for the excellent care that Mom received at Lake Hallie Memory Care and to her special hospice nurse, Laura.