Mary Lou Pfister

Mary Lou Pfister, 91, of Newcastle, Nebraska, received her heavenly rewards on August 9, 2022.

She peacefully passed away at Unity Point St. Luke’s Hospital with family by her side.    

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 15, 2022 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Newcastle with Father Andrew Sohm as celebrant and burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Newcastle.  Visitation, with family present, will be one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.  Immediately following the burial, friends are invited to join family for lunch at St. Peter’s Hall. Online condolences may be offered at www.meyerbroschapels.com

She was a devout Catholic and a lover of life, mother of 2, grandmother of 2, step-grandmother of 3 and great-grandmother of 5. She was born on February 17,1931 in Newcastle, Nebraska, where she spent most of her life. She was the only daughter of Lucy (Hoy) and Frank Kroger. 

Mary Lou earned a teaching degree from Wayne State College and spent the first few years of her career teaching all grades and classes in a country school. After moving on from teaching, she worked as a banker for more than 30 years. She worked in Sioux City, Iowa; St. Paul, Minnesota; and at the American State Bank in Newcastle (now Bank of Dixon County).

Mary Lou married the love of her life Louis Pfister, November 10,1956. They were married until his death in 1980. Later in life, after Louie’s death, she enjoyed the companionship of Lawrence Becker and his family. She was a lifelong learner, had a deep curiosity for travel, history and places. She enjoyed many excursions with Lawrence during their time together.

She loved road trips, reading, following current events, and visiting museums. Mary Lou loved to be around people and took every opportunity to socialize. She especially enjoyed being around family. Her relationship with grandchildren, Connor and Kaci Day was particularly endearing. She had a deep love for sports, especially Nebraska Cornhusker football and volleyball. But her favorite sporting events were when Connor and Kaci played for the Ponca Indians.

As long as can be remembered, Mary Lou faithfully watched Days of Our Lives, which she fondly referred to as “her show.” She would always welcome visits from friends but would prefer that visits occurred between 1:30 and 6:00pm (after Days and before Jeopardy).

She will be remembered for her vitality, engaging personality, thoughtfulness, excellent cooking, graciousness, and the love she bestowed upon people around her. All those who spent time with Mary Lou felt better after encountering her cheerful, loving nature. Mary enjoyed the life she had, fully lived it, and never expressed a desire for more.

Survivors include: her children, Scott (Joann) Pfister of Portland, OR, and Susie Day of Newcastle; brother Don (Rainey) Kroger of Omaha; grandchildren Connor and Kaci Day of Newcastle. Step-grandchildren Rhonda Plew, Eric Rolerkite and Megan Benson. Great grandchildren, Bain, Belle, Oakley, Harris and Jaxon. Brother-in-law, Lorney Pfister; and sisters-in-law Frances Poehlman, and Anna Marie Pfister.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; her parents; and son-in-law, Gene Day.

She was loved by all who knew her and will be missed by all who were fortunate to spend time with her.