Mary Louise Falk

ARLINGTON – Mary Louise Falk, age 88, of Arlington, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Columbia County Health Care Center, in Wyocena.

Mary was born on April 26, 1937, in Columbus, Wisconsin, daughter of William A. and Dorothy (Watson) Gundlach. Dr. Eldon Watson, Mary’s uncle, delivered her. She grew up in the small village of Arlington and attended Poynette High School, where she graduated in 1955 as class valedictorian.

Mary married Glenn “Mike” Falk on November 10, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Islip, Long Island, New York. Mike and Mary enjoyed camping and spent 42 summers at Holiday Shores Campground in Wisconsin Dells. Mary was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington where she was a member of the choir for several years and played piano for Sunday school for 50 years. Music was a huge part of her life, and she instilled that love in her daughters and grandchildren. Mary learned to play piano and accordion at a very young age and continued all her life.  She loved playing for family functions, especially the Falk Christmas Party.  Mary also played for Solo & Ensemble for the Poynette School District, various clubs in the area, along with many church functions, weddings, and funerals.

Mary is survived by her two daughters, Maureen Garske of Portage, and Molly (Greg) Frank of Arlington; four grandchildren, who were the light of her life; Megan (Ben) Kreyer, Miranda (Sean) O’Melia, Stephanie Frank (Mike Brady) and Patrick Frank; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Tomlinson of Georgia, Joan O’Brien of Florida and one brother-in-law, Tom Falk of Poynette.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and brother, William W. Gundlach.

Memorial Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at St Peter’s Lutheran Church, 303 Park Street, Arlington. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will be served at the church.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, is assisting the family.