Mary Louise Fochtmann
Mary Louise Fochtmann
Mary Louise Fochtmann (nee Asbury), 94, of Chesterfield, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024. Mary Lou was born April 14, 1930, to Josephine (nee Lienesch) and Earl Asbury. Along with her older brothers, Earl and James (“Jim”), she spent her early years in O’Fallon, IL. Her father passed away when she was 8 and, when she was 10, her mother married her husband’s brother, Ernst C. Asbury, M.D., who had also lost his spouse. Mary Lou and her family joined Ernst and his daughters, Ruth and Virginia, at their home in New Baden, IL. Mary Lou was a graduate of New Baden Community High School. She then attended Millikin University in Decatur, IL. After she earned her Bachelor of Music Education in 1952, she started teaching music at the elementary and middle school levels including in Charleston, IL, Denver, CO, and Mascoutah, IL (Wherry School). During these teaching years, she corresponded frequently with Gerald “Jerry” Fochtmann, whom she had known in school since she was 10 years old. Gerald finished his Navy service in March 1955 and they were married in New Baden, IL on June 18, 1955. Following their marriage, they lived in Lebanon, IL, and, in 1961, moved to St. Louis County, MO, where they raised their 4 children.
Faith, family, friends, and music were always integral parts of Mary Lou’s life. She and Gerald were active members of St. Paul’s Evangelical Free Church in Creve Coeur, MO. She also participated in the P.E.O. women’s organization and the S.A.I. music fraternity. Mary Lou taught music in Sunday School, preschool music (for 26 years), and private piano lessons (for 48 years). She shared her love of music with her children and grandchildren and cherished being together with them – for informal get-togethers, reunions, holidays, birthdays, or grandchildren’s special events. She also enjoyed learning about history and art and traveling in the United States and abroad.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Fochtmann, Sr., her brothers Earl (Sara “Sally”) Asbury and James “Jim” Asbury (Bonnalee “Bonnie” survives), and her step-sisters Virginia (Frank) Deming and Ruth (Robert) Bann. She is survived by her children, Laura Fochtmann, M.D. (Nisson Schechter, Ph.D.), Gerald “Jerry” (Cindy) Fochtmann, Jr., Virginia “Ginny” (Steve) Bretzke, P.E., and Jane Pierce as well as by her as well as by her 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
