Mary Lou Schulist, 81

Mary Lou Schulist, of Manawa, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024, at Maple Ridge of Plover, at the age of 81.

Mary Lou was born on February 24, 1943, in Portage County, Wis., the youngest of five children born to the late Herman and Emma (née Wysocki) Maslowski.

On June 30, 1962, she married Felix Flees. She remained a devoted wife to Felix until his death in 1986. Mary Lou then went on to marry Clifford Schulist on July 8, 1988. She was a loving wife to Clifford for the past 35 years. Furthermore, Mary Lou was a lifelong and proud member of St. Mary of Mount Carmel, Fancher.

Mary Lou had owned Smokey Spur Bar until her retirement in 2005. Through this business, she was able to share her great love of cooking, polka music, and turning customers into friends. She was legendary for playing the boomba stick/stump fiddle and Polish knockers. She even made appearances with many polka bands over the years. Her love of polka music also included having bands play at her bar, and going on bus trips to polka festivals. When it came to her cooking, she could make a light pole taste good. This running joke was a great compliment to her amazing cooking skills. In fact, she usually didn’t follow a recipe, yet whatever she made was absolutely delicious.

While dementia took away her ability to continue doing the things she loved, what remained in the final years was her infectious smile, and the twinkle in her eyes.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Clifford of Manawa; her sons, Dale (Peggy) Flees of Greendale and Todd (Barb) Flees of Manawa; step-children, Shannon Schulist of Stevens Point, Clifton (Michelle) Schulist of Stevens Point, and Johnny (Amanda) Schulist of Rosholt; her grandchildren, Joshua Flees, Rachel (fiance’ Sandra) Flees, Chelsie (Matt) Vlietstra, and Ashley (fiancé Austin) Flees; her step-grandchildren, Jessica (Dustin) Miller, Tyler (Shannon) Schuelke, Taylor Schulist, Brianna Schulist, Matthew Schulist, Sydney Schulist, Calee Schulist, Colton Schulist, and Olivia Schulist; and seven great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her sister, Germaine (Don) Liss, as well as other family and friends.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Emma; her first husband, Felix; her sisters, Bridget Zeromski and Lucille Wojcik; and a brother, James Maslowski.

Our family wishes to thank the staff at Maple Ridge of Plover, Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center, and Heartland Hospice for the compassionate care given to Mary Lou.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at St. Mary of Mount Carmel, 3995 County Rd. K, Fancher, Wis., 54406. Rev. Jerzy Rebacz will officiate. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.

Shuda Funeral Chapel – Stevens Point is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.