Mary Lou Wise

Mary Lou (Wohlwend) Wise, age 97 took her last breath on February 22, 2024. She was born in Randolph where she lived most of her life, graduating from St. Joseph School in 1941. She was the oldest child of Carl and Beatrice Wohlwend. Preceded in death is her beloved husband of 67 years, William (Bill) Wise, son Charles Wise, her parents, infant son, brothers James Wohlwend, Robert Wohlwend, sister Alice Bolanz (Jerry), daughters-in-law Marianne Wise, Pam Wise, son-in-law George Berger, and great grandson Nicholas Holzapfel.

Survived by her twelve children: Diane Berger, Kathy Hartong, Dennis (Linda) Wise, Patricia Martinez, Mary (Richard) Kamerer, Laura (Tyrone) Wilson, Gerald (Judi) Wise, Bernadette (David) Mazak, Donald (Brenda) Wise, Theresa (Dan) Horning, Tony (Amy) Wise, and Paul Wise. Also surviving are brothers Fr. Paul Wohlwend C.PP.S, Carl (Betty) Wohlwend, sisters Joan (Robert) Lamm, Clara Samblanet, Martha (Ron) Harris, sister-in-law Mary Louise Wohlwend, 31 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren, and very dear Uncle George Klein, her mother’s youngest brother.

Mary Lou and her husband, along with help from the 13 children, operated a successful dairy farm. Mary Lou was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Parish and School, active in Parish Council, Altar Society, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Home & School, Festival committees and she implemented the Widow and Widowers (WOW) group after Bill’s death. She was the 2019 recipient of the Distinguished St. Joe School alumni award. She was an active Portage County poll worker, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, Food Shelf volunteer, and Red Hat Society member. She and Bill managed the Randolph Recycle Center.

She enjoyed dancing with Bill, playing cards, piano, organ, crocheting, and finding just about any possible reason to entertain in her home. They took great pleasure in dozens of cruises after Bill’s retirement. Mary Lou was the supreme fussy baby-calmer. In reality it was Mary Lou who was comforted with every opportunity to “coo” with a baby. The family engaged in annual egg drop contests, pumpkin carving, and lively game days. She encouraged gatherings for anniversaries, birthdays, patriotic and religious holidays, and family reunions often including hayrides, bonfires, fireworks, and brew. All celebrations began with prayer, in praise and gratitude for the abundant blessings. Her entire life thoroughly reflected her deep faith. 

The family wishes to express great appreciation to Altercare of Brimfield and Absolute Hospice. The compassion, skill and competence were highly valued allowing the family to effortlessly focus on Mary Lou’s peace.

Family and friends will be received Sunday, February 25^th from 2 to 6 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, February 26^th at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 2643 Waterloo Rd. Mogadore, OH 44260. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Randolph Fire Department, 1639 OH-44, PO Box 190, Randolph, OH 44265.