Mary Lou Behling

Mary Lou Behling, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and wife, passed into the arms of the angels on December 10, 2019 following complications of pulmonary fibrosis. Mary Lou was born October 18, 1944 to Richard and Mary Ann (Muetze) Woodruff in LaCrosse WI. She spent an idyllic childhood in LaCrosse, surrounded by a large and loving family. Mary Lou and her older brother Dick shared many adventures there together, and she was a doting big sister to her brothers Tim, Mark, and Steve. Her family eventually moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, where she attended St. Mary's High School and met Bernie Grier, the "love of her life" , whom she later married in 1968. They made their home in Dubuque, IA and welcomed daughter Laura in 1971. Bernie tragically died four days before the birth of second daughter Melinda "Mindy" in 1974. Mary Lou and her daughters moved back to Marshalltown to be with her parents and mother-in-law Martha. In 1976 Mary Lou reconnected with family friend Jim Speas; they married and resided in Iowa Falls, IA, where Mary Lou raised Jim's daughters Jennifer and Megan as her own. As a family they spent many hours boating on the Iowa River and Clear Lake, took many joyful ski trips to Colorado, and hosted many memorable celebrations with family and friends. Mary Lou was an incredible homemaker. She made each birthday for her girls special with a homemade cake and party with friends, created fun homemade costumes every Halloween, and made every Christmas magical--baking her family's favorite cookies and treats, decorating every square inch of the house, and picking out each gift she gave with thought and love. During her time in Iowa Falls, Mary Lou was an involved member of St. Mark's Catholic Church and participated in several social organizations where she made many dear friends. In 1988 Jim and Mary Lou moved to Mesa, AZ, where they later amicably ended their marriage. Mary Lou then went back to school and worked full time, first as a physical therapy assistant and later as a home health care services coordinator. During her time in Arizona she made numerous friends, and was the much-loved adoptive "Mom" to her co-workers. In 2012 Mary Lou married long time friend Jim Behling her "prince in shining armour" and they moved to Urbandale Iowa, and then eventually to Mequon WI to live near daughter Laura, her "son" Nick, and her grandchildren Belle and Milo. She was later joined by daughter Mindy in Mequon. Mary Lou dedicated the rest of her life to being a loving grandma, mom, and wife. She showered her loved ones with little gifts, cards and special notes, and brought so much happiness to us all. Mary Lou is survived by her spouse Jim Behling, Mequon, WI, daughter Laura (Nick) Meyer, Mequon, WI, grandchildren Milo and Belle Meyer, Mequon, WI, daughter Mindy Speas, Mequon, WI, daughter Jennifer Speas, St.Elmo, MN, grandchildren Madalene, Catherine, and John Halley, St. Elmo, MN, daughter Megan Speas (Ben Cohen), Plymouth, MN, grandchildren Beau, Bree, and Zachary Cohen, Plymouth, MN, stepson Jay Behling, Mequon, WI, stepson Jon (Lynette) Behling, Lakeville, MN, step-grandchildren Parker and Haley Behling, Lakeville, MN, stepson Jimmy Behling, Minneapolis, MN, and stepson Jeremy (Heather) Behling, Burlington, WI. She is also survived by siblings Dick (Sharon) Woodruff, Osage, IA, Mark Woodruff (Cathy), Marshalltown, IA, and Steve Woodruff, Marshalltown, IA. Mary Lou also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends too numerous to mention. She is preceded in death by her first husband Bernie Grier, parents Richard and Mary Ann Woodruff, brother Tim Woodruff, father and mother-in-law Charles and Martha Grier, father and mother-in-law Cordis and Madalene Speas, and father and mother-in-law William and Lauretta Behling. Mary Lou left a legacy of love and faith--she was a truly loving and caring mom, grandma, daughter, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. Despite the many adversities she faced in her life, she always held a forgiving and positive attitude. Everywhere she went, people were touched by her joyful, fun-loving, thoughtful, compassionate, and sweet soul. She will be dearly missed. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Columbia St. Mary's Ozaukee Hospital in Mequon for their exceptional care of Mary Lou and her family during her stay there. A Celebration of Life for Mary Lou Behling will take place Saturday, January 4 at Lumen Christi Church, 2750 W.Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 12:00 p.m., concluding with a luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made in Mary Lou's name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (go to https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/MaryLouBehling to give) or to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission (go to milmission.org/honors-memorials ).