Mary McGuire. 96

August 22, 1930 ~ 

September 20, 2026 

 

    Mary Lou McGuire, 96, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026. Her 96 years were filled with family, friendship, service, and countless memories that will be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

    Mary Lou was born August 22, 1930, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Henry and Selma Rifenrath, and was the youngest of six children. She graduated from Brainerd High School, attended Brainerd Vocational School for secretarial studies, then moved to Minneapolis.

    While visiting her parents in Brainerd, Mary Lou went dancing with some friends and met Kevin C. McGuire who asked her to dance. They were married at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd, Minnesota, and made their home in Minneapolis while Kevin attended law school. After his graduation, they moved to Cresco, Iowa, where they built their life and raised their family.

    Mary Lou was a devoted wife and mother. She raised six children and was deeply involved in their lives and activities. She was a leader for Bluebirds, Campfire, 4-H, and as Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 62, Den 9. She was a driving force in helping her four sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, taking great pride in their accomplishments and supporting them every step of the way.

    Mary Lou also worked alongside Kevin in his law office and later worked as a realtor with Towne and Country Real Estate. Through her work and involvement in the community, she made many lasting friendships.

   Mary Lou was a devout Catholic and was very proud of her Catholic heritage. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she generously gave both her time and financial support to the church. In the years following Kevin’s death (1995), Mary Lou continued to live a life of service and involvement in her faith and community. She spent her summer months in Brainerd and Nisswa, where she volunteered her time in the office at St. Christopher Catholic Church. During the winter months, she spent time in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she was active at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. She also volunteered at Broward Health Medical Center, giving her time to help others.

    Mary Lou is survived by her six children, Patricia A. “Patti” McGuire; Mary M. “Peg” Baker (William); Kevin B. McGuire (Julie); Michael “Mike” McGuire (Carol); Terrence J. “TJ” McGuire; and Patrick F. McGuire. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

    Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Kevin on July 19, 1995; her parents Henry and Selma; her siblings Henry, Erven, Irene, Dorothy, and Carl; two grandchildren Megan McGuire, and Jessica McGuire; and one great grandchild Ember J David.

    A Stop and Go visitation with family will be held October 9, 2026, from 4 to 6PM at the McGuire home, 119 6th Ave. W. Cresco, IA 52136 with Rosary Vigil beginning at 6PM.

    Funeral Services will be held October 10, 2026, at 11AM at Notre Dame Church, 223 2nd Ave. E. Cresco, IA 52136 followed by a Funeral Repast. Visitation with family at the church will be at 10AM.

    Memorials can be sent to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or Shriners Children’s.

    To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary McGuire, please visit our floral store.