Mary Lou Zeilman

Mary Lou Zeilman, age 86, of Rich Fountain, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City.

Mary Lou was born on August 15, 1938, in Jackson County, Missouri a daughter to the late Walter and Verna (Nilges) Reinkemeyer.

Mary Lou was a 1957 graduate of Fatima High School.

On September 14, 1957, she was united in marriage to Edwin J. Zeilman at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain. Edwin preceded her in death on November 1, 2003.

Mary Lou was employed at the Missouri Secretary of State office in Jefferson City for 25 years until her retirement on December 31, 1999.

Mary Lou was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain, the St. Ann’s Sodality, Sacred Heart Quilting Club, the Jolly Workers, the Rich Fountain Scrabble Club and the Paul E. Hasenbeck American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Mary Lou enjoyed quilting, sewing, embroidery, going to the boats, gardening/canning, playing cards, feeding the birds, watching St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, and playing the harmonica and piano. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Mary Lou is survived by her four children, Kenny (Renee) Zeilman, Carl “Shag” Zeilman, Sandy (Ronnie) Bock and Glenn (Shelly) Zeilman all of Rich Fountain; a foster daughter, Debbie Meyer of Hollister; eight grandchildren, Brooke (Nick) Vieth, Erin (Bryce) Gehlert, Allison (Ethan) Olson, Annie (Jon) Wyatte, Tony Bock and his fiancée JoDee Massman, Meghan (Brent) Gentges, Nick (Andria) Zeilman and Tom (Payton) Zeilman; thirteen great grandchildren with two on the way; one brother, Clarence Reinkemeyer of Westphalia; three sisters, Betty (Joe) Frank of Rich Fountain, Laura Luebbert of Rich Fountain, Linda (Sergio) Fernandez of Westphalia and brother-in-law and sister-in-law George and Pat Zeilman of the State of California; along with many nieces, nephews and friends. 

In addition to her parents and husband of 46 years, Mary Lou was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Richard Reinkemeyer.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain with an American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain with Rev. William Debo and Rev. James Finder as the Concelebrant. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Sacred Heart Endowment Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)  www.mortonchapel.com