Mary Louise Haskins

On April 3, 2024, the beautiful soul of Mary Louise Haskins left this Earth for her heavenly reward. She felt family love and support surrounding her in her final days as she courageously fought an acute illness at UW Hospital, Madison.

  "Mary Lou" was born on June 1, 1931, to Arthur and Blanche Hallingstad in Eau Claire, WI. She spent her early years in Bloomington, but enjoyed her high school years in Lancaster, where she graduated in 1949. She was married to Stanley Haskins that year and celebrated 57 years and 5 children with that union. In addition to managing a large family, she was an accomplished musician on pipe organ and piano, playing for church services, choirs, weddings and funerals for over 70 years. She was also a talented seamstress and quilter, piecing hundreds of quilt tops for family, friends, and charity. And her pie baking, Christmas cookie making skills and seasonal house parties were enjoyed by family, neighbors, and friends for most of her adult life.

  Mary Lou and Stanley were avid anglers at their River House in Bagley and in Canada and Alaska where she earned the title "Big Fish Mary" for her king salmon catch. She also loved dancing with Stan, including square dancing and ballroom, which paired with her love of music. She could play almost any tune on the piano "by ear", to the delight of her 12 grandchildren and 20 "greats". And as a thrifty but creative mother, she sewed most of their school clothes and designed and created wedding dresses and bridesmaid apparel for her two daughters.

  After Stan retired, they enjoyed being "Snowbirds" in Florida, where she made many new friends and learned the finer points of driving golf carts and playing bingo. But her love of family and life in Wisconsin always brought her home when the weather warmed up. And her Red Hat club, Jolly Dollies card club and Investment Club kept her socially engaged after Stan passed.

  She will be greatly missed by her four children: David (Susan) Haskins, Lancaster; Kristin (Felix) Richgels, Middleton; LuAnne Pink, Waunakee; and Thomas (Amy) Haskins, Middleton. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Heather Haskins, Belmont; Josh Haskins (Megan Dressler), Mazomanie; Dan Haskins, Phoenix AZ; Katrina Lederer (Kevin), Middleton; Nathan Richgels (Kristen), Madison; Rebekkah Lange (Todd), Minneapolis, MN; Abrahm Richgels (Monica), Middleton; Jeffrey Pink, Derry, NH; Matthew Pink (Erin), Erie, CO; Hillary Budworth (Josh), Waunakee; Sally Haskins, Middleton; and Lars Haskins (Paige), Verona. Great grandchildren include Cody and Amanda Haskins; Addie Haskins; Krista, Benjamin, Shane, Kylie and Kalissa Lederer; Murrieta Lange; Jonathan, Riley and Lucas Richgels; Ethan, Ellie and Gavin Pink; Lauren and Benjamin Pink; Jack, Greyson and Miles Budworth; and great-greats Dontez and Noel Haskins. Other survivors include sister-in-law, Jane Hallingstad, nieces, nephews and many cousins, friends and neighbors.

  Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her son Paul Michael in infancy, in-laws: Lester and Helen Haskins, grandson Benjamin Richgels in infancy, husband Stanley in 2007, son-in-law Douglas Pink, brother Paul Hallingstad, and brother and sister-in-law Darrel and Marley Haskins.

  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Noon at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father Mark Miller officiating.  The burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends may call from 10:00 am until the time of services on Thursday at the church. A Mary Louise Haskins memorial fund will be established. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is assisting the family.

  The family wishes to extend a huge thank you to Morningside and All Saints Assisted Living for their excellent care and loving support of Mary Lou in the last two years.