Obituary of Mary Lou Gautz

Mary Lou Brown was born on May 31, 1942, in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of five children born to the union of William and Lucy (Hudgins) Brown. Mary attended Monroe High School, graduating with the class of 1960. 

On December 3, 1960, at Zion Lutheran Church in Monroe, Mary married the love of her life, Stanley Gautz. Together they were blessed with three sons: Terry, Thomas, and Timothy.  Mary spent most of her life as a homemaker providing a loving home for her family.

Mary was a lifelong member of Zion, being baptized, confirmed, and engaged at the church on May 31, 1960. She was a member of the Frenchtown Fire Department Ladies Auxillary for seventeen years, a member of the Monroe Antique Car Klub (MACK), and the Nash Car Club.  Being a member of the Monroe County Quilt Guild and the Frenchtown Senior Quilt Guild, Mary had a deep passion and love for sewing and often made homemade quilts for the people in her life for a variety of occasions from Christmas to birthdays to baptisms.  She was very proud of the work and time she put into these beautiful pieces of art.

Mary Lou Gautz, age 81 of Monroe passed away on Thursday; September 21, 2023, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.  Her passing was preceded by her parents: William and Lucy Brown; her loving husband of fifty-three years: Stanley Gautz; her sister: Loretta; and a brother in infancy.

To cherish Mary’s memory she leaves three sons: Terry (Kathryn) Gautz, Thomas (Alesia) Gautz, and Timothy Gautz, all of Monroe; two brothers: William (Ruth) Brown and Larry Brown; a half-sister: Sherry (Keith) Moody; a sister-in-law: Arnette Gahlau; five grandchildren: Jason (Kelsi) Gautz, Shaun (Margaret) Gautz, Michael (Chelsea) Gautz, Thomas Garrett (Journee) Gautz, and Kyle Henry (Amelia) Gautz; eight great grandchildren: Joshua, Jane, Tobias, Zelda, Juliet, Matthew, Michaela and Clarisse.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday; September 26, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  She will lie in state at 10:00am on Wednesday; September 27, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church 186 Cole Road, Monroe, Michigan 48162.  A Funeral Service Celebrating Her Life will take place at 11:00am. A procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle Township, Michigan for burial. 

For those desiring memorial contributions are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church; 186 Cole Road, Monroe, Michigan 48162. Online guest may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.