Mary Lou Soukup

Rochester, Minn.

Mary Lou Soukup of Rochester, MN passed away on October 11, 2025.

Mary Lou Wieman was born May 24, 1939 in Beaumont, TX to Louis F. and Rosalie (Johnson) Wieman. In 1946 they moved to Mohall, North Dakota. After graduation from Mohall High School in 1957, she continued her education at Minot State College majoring in music. She began her teaching career where she passed on her love of music to elementary and middle school students in Minnesota. Mary Lou returned to college at Bemidji State to earn her Master’s Degree in Organ Performance. While teaching in Owatonna, MN she met James P Soukup whom she married in 1966. They lived in several places but settled in Rochester.

Preceded in death: husband Jim, parents Louis and Rosalie Wieman, brother-in-law Lanny Wade, uncle Kenneth Wieman, aunt Sophie Johnson.

Survived by her sisters Linda Wade of Minot, ND and Jane Sturgis (Steve) of Denver CO. Nieces and Nephews Morey Wade (Susan), Michele Wade (Tom), Ryan Sturgis (Chi), Amy Mos. Her Grand Nieces and Nephews Taylor Wade (Taryn), Ashley James (Emanuel) and their son Sebastian, Colby Wade (Autumn), Patrick Brown (Brittany) and their daughter Brooklyn, Matthew Brown (Jacqui), Laura Masters (Daniel), Gavin Daniels (Bailey), Allison Brown (Emily), Drew Dawson.

Mary Lou had no children of her own, but she instilled the love of music in the thousands of children she taught. A life well lived.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to Paws and Claws Humane Society https://www.pawsandclaws.org/wpweb/

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Soukup family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 22, 2025.