Mary Synhorst

Mary Synhorst, 79, of Clinton, MN, died on December 30, 2015, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at the Clinton Memorial Building from 4 – 6 p.m. Burial will be prior to visitation at the Clinton Cemetery.

Mary Jane Synhorst was born on March 26, 1936, in Underwood Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, to Lyle and Mary (Carlson) Athey. When she was five years old, her family moved to the Clinton, Minnesota area. She attended school through the 10th grade. Following her schooling, she helped raise her younger siblings. On November 11, 1959, Mary and Harold Synhorst were united in marriage. To this union, four sons were born. They made their home in Ortonville. A woman with much energy, Mary held a variety of jobs during her years – in restaurants and as a baker, as a bartender at the Legion and manager of the Big Stone Municipal Bar, and at the Ortonville Hospital in the laundry department.

Mary loved music, especially country, and she had a passion for Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Brooks and Dunn. She attended many WE Fests. A highlight in her life was a six week road trip she took throughout the southeastern United States, including time spent at Disney World and at Graceland. Mary enjoyed gardening and baking. Most important, however, was the time she spent with her grandchildren – she would have them spend weeks at a time with her and loved playing card games with them. She will be deeply missed.

Left with her loving memory are her sons, Scott (Maureen) Synhorst of Frazee, MN; Mark Synhorst of Cottonwood, MN; Jeff Synhorst of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Tim (Kim DuHoux) Synhorst of Appleton, MN; eight grandchildren: Aaron (Tori) DuHoux, Adam DuHoux, Farrin Synhorst, Robin Johnson, Kori (Ben) Walker, Jason Synhorst, Ashley Synhorst, and Cody Synhorst; ten great-grandchildren: Cammi, Justyce, Morgan, Zoie, Abigail, Maci, Sura, Cason, Cooper, and Gabriel; brothers: Russ (Janet) Athey of Big Stone City, SD; George (Rose) Athey of Garfield, MN: and Elmer (Charlotte) Athey of Big Stone City, SD; sisters: Evelyn (Earl) Beyer of Alexandria, MN; Dorothy (Harley) Davidson of Gulf Port, MS; and Ginny (Richard) Stattelman of Clinton, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold, in September of 1988; brothers: James, Floyd, Stanley, LeRoy, and Richard; and sister, Addie Swihart.