Mary Jean Church, age 86, died on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Comforts of Home-The Gardens in River Falls. She was born the daughter of Oscar and Lillian Larson on October 28, 1936 in Gilman Township, WI. Mary grew up in Spring Valley graduating from Spring Valley High School, class of 1955. She then graduated from beauty school in Minneapolis. She worked as a beautician in Saint Paul where she met her dear friend, Evie March. Mary married Duane Church on May 9, 1960 in Saint Paul. She loved sewing, knitting, and quilting as well as going to garage sales. Mary adored taking care of kids, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For the last 20 years of her career, she loved working as a teacher’s assistant in special education. Mary also worked for Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Vadnais Heights as a Sunday school teacher, and at First Congregational Church in River Falls as a Wednesday school teacher. She was loving, caring, nurturing, and hospitable to all who knew her.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Lillian Larson; grandson, Cory Loveland; brother, Orlan Larson; and brother-in-law, Lloyd Sundberg. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Duane; sons, James (Laura), Steven (Dawn), Garry (Jodi), Michael (fiancé, Kari Johnson), and Joseph (Kristen); 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Anita Sundberg; sister-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” Larson; and many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
A Funeral Service was held on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 11:00AM at First Congregational Church (110 N 3rd Street) in River Falls with a visitation starting at 10:00AM. Interment was in Martell Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
New Richmond:
(715) 243-5252 |
River Falls:
(715) 425-8788
5 Comments
Mary was a delightful person, kind and caring with a lovely sense of humor. She accepted her illness graciously and I didn’t hear her complain. Her church family missed her very much.
Dearest Mary,
You were such a wonderful friend, with a big, kind heart, mischievous smile and dry sense of humour, all of which I’m sure were well honed by raising 5 boys! Our friendship grew strong starting with those first few years when we shared blisters, aching muscles and laughs while rebuilding homes in Biloxi. I loved our time together at many church functions, visits with Phylis and more. You introduced me to Lutefisk (thanks, but I won’t be trying that again!). I will also never forget attending you beloved MN State Fair with you and Duane, you crazy woman! You are one of the good ones, that I know everyone is missing immensely right now. I shall hold you and Duane forever in my heart. Peace to you dear Mary, and to Duane and the rest of your family.
With great love.
Wendy
Duane, Joe and Family,
We are saddened by Mary’s passing. May she rest in peace.
From the moment Mary came into our lives, she made us a part of her family.
We always enjoyed Mary and Diane’s visits and appreciated that we were lucky enough to share in the grandboys.
We will hold fond memories of Mary.and the special times we spent together.
Love to the Church Family,
Bill, Eulalie and Marijane
I have many fond memories of spending time at Duane and Mary’s house in my youth. I Enjoyed the family gatherings, all the good food and always a very competitive Game or two of Volleyball.
I always felt Happy and comfortable at the family gatherings and Mary and Duane were such great hosts.
A couple of years ago Cora and I were able to visit Mary and Duane at their home in Wisconsin. We had a wonderful time and Mary made of us feel so comfortable and at home. They made a great feast for us and many of the boys came out to see us. We felt so special!! Mary made us some delicious blueberry French Toast in the morning. And Duane let me win at a game of Cribbage. It was a wonderful experience.
We will miss Mary deeply and we are sending our deepest condolences to Duane, the boys and family & friends.
My fondest memory is of the huge family reunion that Duane and Mary hosted quite a few years ago now. Almost the entire family was there and we had such a wonderful time. My family and I flew into Minneapolis from our home in Washington and rented a baby blue Mustang convertible for the occasion. Mary howled with laughter because she remembered my beloved baby blue Mustang that I had back when I was in school. I used to burn rubber all the way up the block when I left their house, much to the delight of the boys. I always felt welcome there and I can hear the squeals of delight and fear from Mary when I took her for a ride on my motorcycle. What a blast she was to be around.
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