Mary Jennett

Funeral services for Mary Jennett, age 79, of Ortonville, formerly of Montevideo, will be held Monday, October 7, 2013, at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Marlene Elmstrom will officiate. Inurnment will be in Mound Cemetery.

Mary Helen Jennett was born on June 22, 1934, in Ortonville, Minnesota, to parents Mahlen "Rummy" and Ramona (Alsaker) Gruse. Growing up in Ortonville, Mary graduated from Ortonville High School in 1952. She attended Gustavus Adolphus College and graduated with a degree in teaching in 1956. Mary taught Physical Education in Montevideo, Minnesota, which is where she met her lifelong love, Duane "Dewey" Jennett. They were married on August 14, 1960, at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville.

Mary and Duane made their home in Montevideo, where she remained involved in education, working within the Title 1 program and also teaching Phy Ed to migrant workers during the summer months. Mary was a dedicated member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Montevideo. In 1997, Mary and Duane moved to and made their home on Big Stone Lake, near Ortonville, where she was a member of First English Lutheran Church, so enjoying Circle 4. Each winter found them living in Arizona. Travels also took them to Hawaii and Alaska.

It would come to no surprise that Mary delighted in sports and was an avid fan of Minnesota teams, namely the Vikings, U of M Gophers, Lynx, and Twins! Living so near the lake afforded many opportunities to enjoy bird watching, boating, fishing and hunting for artifacts. Mary also enjoyed reading and bridge. Highest of priorities was her family and friends, and times she spent with them was precious to her, especially times of entertaining.

Mary passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2013, in Ortonville, Minnesota, having reached the age of 79 years.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to First English Lutheran Church or Ortonville Area Health Services.

Mary is survived by her children: daughter, Susan (Matt) Woodcock of Eagan, Minnesota, and son, Paul (Lori) Jennett of Chandler, Arizona; five grandchildren – Eric, Mark, and Kate Woodcock; and Lake and Hayden Jennett; her sister, Barbara Johnson of Ortonville; and other relatives and devoted friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Duane, on December 26, 2011.