Mary Lou Kaplinski

Kaplinski, Mary Lou

Made her journey to heaven on August 22, 2015, just a few weeks shy of her 80th birthday. She passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her loving family.

As a daughter of Leon and Marie Deraedt, Mary Lou was a lifelong resident of Jackson. She was a graduate of St. John's Catholic High School and earned her Registered Nurse degree at the Mercy School of Nursing in 1956. She retired as a nurse from the Jackson County Health Department but never abandoned caregiving. Her entire life was dedicated to sharing kindness and compassion with whomever she met.

Mary Lou was predeceased by her husband James E. Kaplinski, and her daughter Susan M. Woltmann. She is now in the comfort of God's hands and happily reunited with her husband and daughter. Knowing that, her surviving family finds peace.

Mary Lou's memory is honored by her children: son James A. Kaplinski, his wife Dianna and their children John, Daniel, and Thomas; daughter Diane M. Rappleye, her children Erin, Jessa, and Brette; son Thomas J. Kaplinski, his wife Dana and their children, Eva, Grant and Faye; and a most special son-in-law David J. Woltmann - Susie's surviving husband.

Mary Lou is also survived by her adoring sister Ann Curtiss and her husband Al; loving brother Richard Deraedt and his wife Karen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Mary Lou's favorite activities were always in the company of her family and friends. She enjoyed golfing, fishing, slot machines, relaxing car rides, and afternoon card games. We are thankful and blessed for countless memories Mary Lou brought to our lives.

Visitation will be at Desnoyer Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM with the rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. A formal celebration of her life will begin with a Prayer Service at the funeral home on Thursday at 10:00 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Father Chas Canoy will officiate at the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Lou requested that donations be made to the Schulze Diabetes Institute at the University of Minnesota, MMC 280, 420 Delaware Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 or to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.