She worked at all three branches - Becker, Santiago and Clear Lake. When she started her career at the bank, Mary’s manager was longtime bank employee Jan Burggraff and the bank was owned by Roger Haugen and Sherm Lindstrom. Mary spent her first five years as a teller, followed by 15 years as head teller. Eight years ago, Mary reduced her work status to part time, but she continues to work at the bank part time.

 

Being semi-retired has allowed her more time to spend on her hobbies. I asked Mary what kinds of things she enjoys doing. She explained: “I’ve done embroidery off and on since I was 14 years old. I made clothes for my girls, including blouses and dresses, as well as Barbie Doll clothing. Mary told me: “I made first communion dresses for my daughters and my granddaughters also wore them, which was really special.”

 

Mary enjoys include going up north on weekends with friends and family. “I spend a lot of weekends at our seasonal lot near Brainerd, which allows me time to work on making the banners and calendars. We also enjoy playing cards and socializing.”

 

My family and I were attending a silent auction for our neighbor a few months ago and stumbled upon one of Mary’s handcrafted calendars when we had the highest bid. One of my sisters asked Mary if she enjoys making the calendars and she had a witty comeback: “It keeps me off the barstool!” She has a great sense of humor. 

Mary has donated many of her creations to different silent auctions to help raise money for those in need. The banners and calendars are well done and her attention to detail is obvious. 

 

Mary is an active member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Duelm and donates her work for The Christian Women various causes between the months of October and May because “the summer months have plenty of other things going on!”, according to Mary.

 

She learned a strong work ethic as one of five children of Jim and Reginia, raised just west of Duelm milking cows (both Holsteins and Guernseys). Besides the cows, they raised chickens and pigs and raised crops. She attended a country school near Duelm and later attended Foley High School. Her four siblings still live in the area, Mary told me.

 

Mary and her husband, Jerry, built their house near Clear Lake 50 years ago. Norman Stay from Glendorado built the house, with help from his sons Waylon and Norris. Her husband worked construction and Mary was a stay at home mom for 15 years while her children were young. At that point, Mary worked at a school in Clear Lake for a couple years, followed by a two year stint at Jack and Jill grocery store in Foley. Mary’s huband, Jerry, lost his battle with cancer 14 years ago (to the day) as I write this column. 

 

Mary and Jerry raised four children: Carmen, Keith, Kathy and Cory. She also has six grandchildren ranging in age from 14-19. Retirement allows her to spend more time with her family. 

 

Besides being active in her church and donating her creations to various people in need, Mary also volunteers through St. Cloud Hospital at the Gorecki House, helping wherever she is needed. She often answers phones or helps with office work and assisting guests with their hospitality needs. The house offers a comfortable, homelike atmosphere that allows families the opportunity to stay close to their loved ones.

 

As we chatted, I realized that Mary and I have quite a bit in common! We both grew up on a farm in Sherburne County and learned the value of hard work. Most of my siblings still live in the area, as do Mary’s. My older siblings attended a country school, much like Mary and her siblings. 

 

Mary’s sunny disposition is contagious and I really enjoyed our visit.