Mary Lou Oelzen

Mary Lou Oelzen - East Alton Mary Lou Oelzen, 91, passed away May 7, 2025 at her residence.

Born August 1, 1933 in Red Bud, she was the daughter of Earl and Alvina (Brenning) Candler. 

Mary Lou worked in the Women's fitting room WalMart. She took great pride in her home and enjoyed tending to her garden, lawn and especially her flowers. She was a special lady that touched the lives of many. 

On June 15, 1952 in Clay Center, KS, she married Herbert A. Oelzen. He died June 25, 1999.

Ssurviving are two sons, Timothy Oelzen (Laurie Wilde) of Valmeyer, Dennis (Marla) Oelzen of Rosewood Heights; three grandchildren, Brandy D. Meek, Brandi Nicole (Ryan) Geisler, Bradley Oelzen; and seven great grandchildren, Covelynn Geisler, Levi Geisler, Auggie Geisler, Seth Richard, Savannah Grace, Kayla Sue Nicole, and Sophia Lynn. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers, Robert, Earl, Jr., Leonard "Red", and John Candler; and two sisters, Edie Kimbro and Vi Mosby.

Visitation will be from 10 am until time of service at 12 pm, Tuesday, May 13 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River. Pastor David Schultz will officiate.

Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

In Lieu of flowers send memorials to. St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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