Mary Lou Christian

She was born and raised in Worthington, Minnesota, the second child of John and Theresa Teerink, learning from them the qualities of devotion, hard work, frugality, and generosity, all of which she carried with her throughout her life. She graduated from Abbott Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis and worked as an RN at Butterworth Hospital and South Pavilion for decades, gracefully demonstrating her natural gift of caregiving. She was introduced to Larry Christian of Byron Center when an RCA pastor who knew them both encouraged him to send a letter to her at nursing school. They eventually met in person for the first time on November 17, neither knowing ahead of time that this date was their mutually shared birthday. After seeing each other on only 19 days over the next two years, their marriage began in 1960 and was a blessing for over 60 years until Larry’s passing in 2021.

Mary Lou loved, and was loved by the members of First Reformed Church of Byron Center (now The Well) and was active in the church from her first day until her passing. She had a gift and love for music, especially the hymns, and played the organ there for over 50 years. Big Star Lake was a very special place for Mary Lou and Larry and the couple took great pleasure in creating many wonderful memories for the entire family at their simple cottage on the lake.

Mary Lou was a devoted wife, a beloved mother, a true friend, and a faithful child of God. She blessed her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so many others with her quite strength, thoughtfulness, and selfless acts of service, none more significant than her fervent prayers and the lifelong example of daily time in the Bible.

Mary Lou is survived by children John and Judy Christian (Travis and Abby [Emma, Ezra, Eva], Troy and Katrina [Julianna], Elizabeth and Jordan [Wilhelmina] Jorritsma); Sheryl and Tom Brink (Brett and Rachel [Connor, Max, Zeke], Nicole, Ryan); Gordon and Ranee Christian (Abby and Aaron [Eliana] Langerak, Katherine, Jack). She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Jerry Dirks; and sisters-law, Celia Teerink, Arlene Christian, and Jan Souffrou.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Cook Funeral Home (Byron Center Chapel), 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Monday, June 22 in the sanctuary of The Well Byron Center, 8425 Byron Center Ave. SW, Byron Center. The family will be available to meet friends and family prior to the funeral from 10-10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Lou’s memory may be directed to The Well Byron Center or Poetice at PO Box 1138 Covington, LA 70434. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.