Mary Bendtsen

Mary’s family wishes to express our thanks to those planning to attend her visitation and/or funeral. However, considering the weather being forecasted for this weekend, please know that Mary would be the first to urge you to please put your safety first. If you are unable to travel safely, please be assured that we will still feel your presence in spirit. Mary Ella (Emery) Bendtsen Nov 9, 1924-Jan 9, 2020 Mary Ella (Emery) Bendtsen, age 95. Born in Austin, MN, on Nov 9, 1924 to James and Margaret (Gorman) Emery. She attended Whittier, Queen of Angels and St. Augustine High School, graduating in 1943. In school, she played violin in the orchestra and enjoyed academics and participating in drama. She took a job at The Capretz Insurance Agency. There she worked with Marcine Bendtsen, who introduced Mary to her brother, Myles. She married Myles Bendtsen on Apr 3, 1948 at Queen of Angels church in Austin. With gentle tutoring from her mother-in-law, Mary immediately started learning the ropes of country life, how to help run a farm and feed a family. She and Myles had ten children and for the remainder of their working years they farmed in Rose Creek. Mary also worked making custom draperies, and held positions with Southland Elementary School and the City of Rose Creek. A lover of music and an active member of the community, Mary volunteered in numerous capacities, including as a 4-H leader, where she taught kids to sew. She was especially active at St. Peter’s Church in Rose Creek, where she sang in the choir and worked on numerous committees and projects over her 70 years as a member. Above all, Mary took great joy in her family: 6 daughters, 4 sons, 31 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children Kathy Larson, Rose Creek; Randy (Diane) Bendtsen, Austin; Brad (Lorrie) Bendtsen, Peoria, IL; Denise (Tom) Lewison, Rose Creek; Alane Bendtsen (Steve Searl) Owatonna; Les Bendtsen (Rick Buchholz), Minneapolis; Mary (Ross) Johnson, Rochester; Melanie (Brian) Worrall, Huron, SD; Dean (Renae) Bendtsen, Rose Creek. She is also survived by her loving sister Jannette (Emery) Belden, Austin, and a large and wonderful collection of in-laws, nieces and nephews. And by her cards- and Rummikub-playing ladies in Rose Creek and Adams, who were a great source of friendship, laughter and love. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Myles, her sister, Margaret (“Babe”) Emery, her daughter, Janel Gleason, grandson Scott Bendtsen, and son-in-law, Jim Newstrom. Special thanks to the staff of Mayo Health Systems in Austin, whose expertise, skill and kindness made her last days comfortable and her farewell a gentle one. The ICU team went above and beyond, taking questions from a dozen family members with grace, empathy and patience, and we are among their biggest fans. Thanks also to Mary’s granddaughter, Kara (Gleason) Mould, M.D. who offered her family loving reassurance during Mary’s last days. Friends may visit at Mayer Funeral Home on Friday, Jan 17 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 at St. Peter’s Church in Rose Creek, with a reviewal beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Peter’s or the donor’s choice. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

St. Peter's Cemetery

Rose Creek MN 55970

Visitation

Friday, January 17 2020
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Saturday, January 18 2020
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Saint Peter Catholic Church
302 Maple St SW
Rose Creek MN 55970

Service

Saturday, January 18 2020
11:00 AM

Saint Peter Catholic Church
302 Maple St SW
Rose Creek MN 55970