Mary Lou (Bates) Neuens

     Mary Lou Neuens, 83, of Apache Junction, Arizona and Iron Mountain, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness in Arizona on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

     She was born January 28, 1941, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, daughter of the late William Harold and Mary Frances (Frankovich) Bates. Mary Lou graduated from North Kansas City High School and then obtained her Human Services degree from Bay College. She worked as a Parent-Health Services Coordinator for the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District - Early Childhood Education until her retirement in 2001. Mary Lou married Richard Lawrence Neuens on August 13, 1983 at First Ev. Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain, Michigan. They lived in Iron Mountain full-time until 2008, when they purchased a home and spent their winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. Mary Lou enjoyed quilting, making stained glass art, and going to TOPS Club.

     Mary Lou will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Richard; daughter and son, Denise (Jim) Fisher and Douglas (Tammy) McDaniel; grandchildren, Tyler Allen, Jimi Allen, Audrey (Quinn) Cretton, Brittany (Mat) Sorensen, and Amanda (Brock) Huehns; great-grandchildren, Lydia Allen, Cooper Allen, Logan LeClair, Milo Sorensen, and Watson Huehns; step-children, Cindy (Bob) Carr, Debby (Pat) Conery, Brenda Koch, Michael Neuens, and Becky Macijeski; several step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Tami Kacalo and Mary Karas.

     Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Bates; daughter, Debbie Querio; step son-in-law, Pete Macijeski; infant step-grandchildren, Michelle Stevenson and Patrick Conery; step grandson-in-law, Paul Neiderberger; brothers-in-law, Arthur (Rosalie) Neuens, John Neuens, and Henry Neuens; and sister-in-law, Patricia (John) Alquist.

     Mary Lou will be laid to rest in Iron Mountain Cemetery during a private graveside ceremony.

     Huehns Funeral Home of Sturgeon Bay is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Mary Lou can be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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