Mary Lou Fortener (Knapke), age 91, of Coldwater, died Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at her home in Coldwater.

She was born November 5, 1927 in Philothea to the late Edward & Helen (Dues) Knapke. On July 9, 1949 she married Walter Fortener in Coldwater and he died in 2008.

She is survived by six children: Eric Fortener of Coldwater. Ron & Annette Fortener of Vandalia, Randy & Barb Fortener of Dublin, Roger & Jane Fortener of Whitehouse, Nancy & Jerry Fleck of Coldwater, and Russ & Judy Fortener of Coldwater; foster son in-law, Joe & Rhonda Voskuhl of Englewood, grandchildren: Christie & Steve Gates, Stephanie & Eric Quinley, Phillip Fortener, Andy Fortener, Chad Fleck, Craig & Amanda Fleck, Tyler & Jenna Fleck, Molly & Jay Miller, Taylor Fortener, Emily Fortener, and Rachel & Billy Berry; 7 great grandchildren; siblings and in laws: Eddie & Toni Knapke of Louisville, Marlene Knapke of Coldwater, Louis Braun of St. Henry, and Marie Olwine of Columbus.

She is preceded in death by a foster daughter, Pam Voskuhl; siblings and in-laws, Jerry Knapke, Bob & Josie Knapke, Jim & Ruth Knapke, Sylvia Braun, Gary Olwine, Mary Ann & John Appleton, and Kathleen Norris.

She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Coldwater VFW Auxiliary. She was an avid homemaker and also served as a CCD teacher and hospital volunteer for many years. Known for her sense of humor and willingness to always lend a hand, Mary Lou loved to cook, garden, play cards, and cheer for the Reds and Browns. Most of all, Mary Lou loved her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Monday, October 28, 2019 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater. Burial will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.

Friends may call from 1 to 5 pm on Sunday and 9 to 10 am on Monday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater.

Memorial contributions may be made to the State of the Heart Hospice.

Condolences can be left at hogenkampfh.com.