Mary Babler 01/01/2024

Mary Babler hugged you whether you wanted a hug or not. After her embrace, you realized you had no idea how much you needed it. She died on Monday, January 1, 2024 in Rochester, MN.
Mary was born in Marshal, MN on September 8, 1957. Before the age of 8, Mary and her family lived in Tennessee, Texas, New Mexico, back to Minnesota, then finally settled in River Falls, WI, where she remained, except for a couple of years in Wilmar, MN when she attended community college. Faith was incredibly important to Mary. She attended the United Methodist Church of River Falls when she moved to River Falls as a child, being welcomed by then Pastor Henry Dreistadt and Organist Barb Wall, who she maintained a close relationship with her entire life. Growing up, she participated in cheerleading, and GAA (Girls Athletic Association). In fact, she was the head cheerleader (mentioned to her dismay).
Mary started working at an incredibly early age, making beds at the local motel. She went on to waitress, amongst other jobs. She met Mark Babler at the Lamp Light Disco Tech where she worked, and he frequented. After dating for about a year, they got married June 23, 1979, in River Falls, WI at the United Methodist Church. They were happily married for 44 years. They had 2 children, Matthew and Emily, and 5 beautiful grandchildren, who she deeply cherished. Mary was the glue that held every family gathering together. Her laughter, genuine care and compassion for each person in her life is something that will be cherished and remembered.
Mary worked for the River Falls School District for over 25 years, mostly as the Head Cook at Rocky Branch Elementary School. She is remembered by students, teachers and staff as feeding the body and the soul. She never forgot anybody’s birthday, made everyone feel special and needed, and stood up for the underdog. Shortly after retiring from RFSD, Mary began working at Menards as a morning stocker, where she met some amazing friends. She absolutely loved her job and the people with whom she worked. Although she never wanted to tell us, she was Team Member of the Month more often than not.
If you met Mary, you became a part of her family. She has left a positive impact on every person she has touched. Her kindness, laughter, authenticity, and strength will live on through all of us. The world is such a better place having had Mary Babler in it. She infused this world with love. She taught us all to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. This is something she lived each day up until her last breath on January 1, 2024. With family by her side, comfort was given to Mary after her 14 month battle with lung cancer.
Mary is survived by her husband of 44 years, Mark Babler; son, Matt Babler; daughter, Emily Keating (David Keating); brothers, Mark Aldous (Jacki Aldous) and Cleve Aldous (Georgeanne Aldous); and grandchildren, Elijah Babler, Everett Babler, Olivia Babler, Ruthie Keating and Anna Keating. She is also survived by countless other family and friends. Mary is preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Aldous and father, Charles Aldous. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family of Mary Babler for donations that will be designated to the American Cancer Association, The Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix County, and Mary’s beloved Grandchildren.
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00AM at Spirit of Grace Church (127 South 2nd Street) in River Falls with the visitation starting at 9:00AM. The service was streamed live via a link below the obituary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for future donation. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the livestream of Mary’s service.