Mary Louise Buol Hempstead

Mary Louise Hempstead

HOUSTON – Mary Louise Hempstead, 84, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Rushford, MN. Mary was born on May 4, 1934 in LaCrosse, WI to proud parents, Floyd and Amy Buol. As the first born, she was destined to be spoiled by doting parents and grandparents who shared the Buol farmhouse. Three years later, Bonnie was born. As the girls grew up, it was clear that Mary was the motherly type and Bonnie was fiercely independent. Mary stood out in cooking and sewing. In high school she won many prizes at the Wisconsin State Fair for 4-H demonstrations. She became prom queen at West Salem High School.

After high school, Mary went to Stout Institute, Menomonie, WI and majored in Home Economics, which prepared her for her first job as Home Extension Agent in Caledonia, MN. One of her 4-H members was Lorna Hempstead who decided that Mary would be a perfect marriage partner for her older brother, Dillon. Dillon didn’t agree to meet Mary until he found out she was Presbyterian. Both families had a long history with Presbyterians. Soon after their marriage, Mary influenced the closing of the Presbyterian Church in Houston and the family transferred membership to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. The rest is history! In due course, along came Amy and Lyn. Both have become fine women, wives and professionals. Many relatives spent wonderful times visiting the Hempstead Homestead farm.

Mary contributed in many ways to the farm business, including preparing meals for the family and hired men. She loved to entertain, set a beautiful table and had a gift for arranging flowers. Mary enjoyed playing many kinds of card games, notably bridge. She loved to read and was especially interested in mysteries. Mary was active at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston and Farm Bureau. Dillon and Mary enjoyed traveling by car to many destinations in the United States, as well as touring Australia and New Zealand.

Mary was preceded in death by both of her parents, and husband Dillon. Mary is survived by her children; Amy (Don) Gales of Parker, CO and Lyn (Chuck) Halvorson of Houston, MN, and two grandchildren; Kaitlyn Hebrink and Allison (Tyler) Marshall; and sister Bonnie Buol, Northbrook, IL.

Mary will be remembered fondly by us all. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 200, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. 100% of your contribution will be applied directly to Alzheimer's Disease research.