Mary Stueve

Mary Jane Stueve was called home to rest with the Lord on March 23rd, 2020 at Sanford Hospice in Fargo, ND.

Mary Jane was born December 22, 1935 in Lindsay, NE. They later moved to Rosholt, SD where she completed her last four years of high school at the Catholic school in Graceville. She met the love of her life, Gene Stueve when she was 18. During the first time they met, Gene said “I am going to take this girl home” while unknown to Gene, Mary Jane was thinking “I am going to marry this man” and the rest as they say was history. They were then united in marriage on August 16, 1954. Mary Jane loved life, she worked hard on the farm helping Gene and raising seven children. Their 65 years together showed that! She loved family gatherings and treasured every moment. Her wit and humor brought a smile to all who met her.

How do you capture the spirit of a woman like Mary Jane? She was the constant friend, loving wife, and devoted mother who accepted and warmly welcomed everyone who was fortunate enough to have known her. She was the upbeat hand who was unafraid of hard work but knew that good fun and even a bit of mischief was an equally important part of life, making time for both. She was the lover of nature, never happier than when outdoors riding her bike, tending her flowers, or walking her faithful dog Brandy. She had a devotion to Mary, you often found her praying the rosary, especially before going to bed. She was the compassionate host, cooking and baking for all who entered and for the family she rejoiced in. She was the community servant, involved in her children’s activities, president of the PTA, and taught CCD.

As busy as she was raising a family, she took time to enjoy doing a variety of crafts. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends playing Bunco and was involved in Red Hats. Her passion was family and grandkids. She had a special way with them and a listening ear that only they can express. In their later years Mary Jane and Gene would like to take drives together and occasionally stop by a casino for a meal and perhaps a spin of the wheelߘŠ!

She was, very simply, a happy woman. But to truly capture the spirit of Mary Jane one need to look no further than her loving husband, Gene, her large and steadfast family and her Lord, who has now captured her spirit for all time.

She is survived by her husband Gene, who treasured her gifts of steadfast love, commitment, and understanding. As a man of few words, he always felt that she knew what he was saying simply by being in each other’s presence. Their seven wonderful children: Linda Tripp (Terry); Don (Peggy Eggers); Cindy Stueve (Pat Hanlon); Doug; Mark (Becki); Melodie Zach (Ken); and Lisa Fligge. Brothers Jim Widhalm and Jr. (Anthony) Widhalm and sister Til (Matilda) Miller. She was also blessed with 17 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents Matilda and Anthony Widhalm; brothers Urban and Jerome; and sisters Lorraine Birnbaum and Millie Schmit; grandson Aaron Zach; and son-in-law Terry Tripp.

Funeral services are to be determined at a later date due the pandemic virus going on.

Condolences can be directed to:
Eugene Stueve
6274 US Highway 75
Wheaton, MN 56296