Mary Lou Nelson, 83, of New London, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at St. Joseph Residence, surrounded by her family and cared for by Moments Hospice. She was born on September 27, 1943, in Tomahawk, the daughter of Jacob and Gertrude (Loka) Van Ryen.

Mary Lou grew up in the Harrison Hills area and attended school there. After high school, she married David Hufschmid of Tomahawk. They had three children and moved to New London, where David served as a state trooper. Mary Lou worked at Super Burger, helping transform it into Beacon Street Deli, which she purchased in 1984. David passed away in 2003.

In 1990, Mary Lou married Paul Nelson, who brought his daughter, Amanda, into their family. He soon became known as “Pappa Paul.” Mary Lou and Paul worked side by side at the deli and also opened and helped run Half Nelson’s.

A hard worker and a natural people person, Mary Lou had the gift of gab and a smile that made others feel welcome. She adored her grandchildren and insisted they weren’t spoiled—they were simply “loved.” She treasured time with her siblings on the farm in Harrison, and enjoyed camping, four-wheeling, and making Ranger cookies for her brothers. A wonderful cook, she looked forward to sharing her Christmas goodies with everyone each year.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 36 years, Paul Nelson; her children, Debra (Dean) Schoenrock of Pensacola, Florida; Tim (Brenda) Hufschmid of Kaukauna, Wisconsin; Tammy (Tom) Yonke of Weyauwega, Wisconsin; and stepdaughter Amanda (Chris) Wagar of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and seven grandchildren: Erin (Tom) Wilke, Emily (Ben) Struzynski, Aidan Hufschmid, Emerson Hufschmid, Makenna Hufschmid, Braden Wagar, and Tanner Wager.

She is also survived by her sisters, Phyllis (Tom) Weizenicker, Carol Johnson, and Jean (Mike) Hanson, all of Tomahawk; Susie (Terry) Petersen of Rio, Wisconsin; and Karen (Kevin) Schiltz of Tomahawk; her brothers, Jim (Marie) Van Ryen of New Hampshire and Jeff (Marianne) Van Ryen of North Carolina; sisters-in-law Beth Nelson of New London, Barb Nelson of LaSalle, Illinois, and Charlotte (Todd) Montgomery of Janesville, Wisconsin; Kathleen Van Ryen of Tomahawk; brother-in-law Gregg (Mary Jo) Nelson of Weyauwega, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jay Van Ryen; her infant sister, Marsha; her brother-in-law, Dan Johnson; and her sister-in-law, Susan Nelson.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to St. Joseph Residence and Moments Hospice for the outstanding care Mary Lou received during the last weeks couple weeks of her life.