from her past, her eyes do the talking. They shine
work she has done in the community, and the corners
crinkle as she tells a humorous story from her days in the
classroom. Her eyes express so much about the life she
has joyously lived.
greatest was Arne. What started as a courtship, given life by
an introduction at a dance, turned into 49 years of marriage.
"I came to Racine to pursue a teaching career, and I decided
to stay until I caught Arne," Mary Lou jokingly says.
Jerstad-Agerholm Middle School. After unions became part
of the educational system, Mary Lou looked elsewhere and
discovered Prairie School, where she spent 17 years as a 5th
and 6th grade teacher before retiring in 1994.
of the time they were able to spend together during Mary
Lou's retirement. They began to travel, spending many
of their days in one of three locations: their Racine home,
a beach house in Florida, and a residence in Sweden,
Arne's birthplace.
herself searching for a way to honor his name. "I wanted him
to be remembered," said Mary Lou, "and Prairie seemed like
the perfect t." To Mary Lou, a scholarship at Prairie would
Arne and she believed in. Every monetary gift she has been
given in Arne's honor is directed to Prairie, a testament to
her own appreciation for the school.
her time to Prairie as well. Fondly referred to as `Aunty LuLu',
Mary Lou visits often to read stories to the younger students;
her book, Pearl's Wisdom, has become a Primary School
favorite. She is at home in the library, sharing the same
love of whimsy and enchantment as the children to
whom she reads.
generosity, many students will have the opportunity to
experience life at Prairie. Arne and Mary Lou have become
an important part of The Prairie School, and our community
is grateful for all they have done.