Mary Lou Stechmann, age 74, passed peacefully on November 10, 2024 at Rochester East Health Services. She was born April 20, 1950, the oldest of Philip and Rose Brekke’s six children. She lived on the family homestead in the Burnside area of Red Wing until she was 15. She then stayed in foster homes and graduated from Zumbrota High School in 1969. She married Norman Hansen and they had two daughters. She was later married to Darold Stechmann until his death in 1980.
Mary worked at the Red Wing Health Center and loved her job at Treasure Island Casino. She enjoyed crafts and coloring, BINGO and bowling. She was a member of the Bill W. Program (AA) having more than 35 years of continuous sobriety.
Mary had a caring heart and enjoyed spending time with her friends and pets. Although often separated, she had a deep love for her family. She recently reunited with all five of her siblings together in one place for the first time in their lives. She had a great sense of humor and laughed easily, even when she didn’t want to.
Through her faith in Jesus, Mary is now reunited with her parents; former husband, Darold; beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Angela (Jason) Stillwell and their children and Carol (Nathan) Webster; her siblings, Joyce Christensen, Larry (Beth) Brekke, Dorothy (Gordy) Hinderscheit, Susanna Cantos, and Andrew Brekke; many nieces, nephews and friends including her bestie and caregiver, Lynn Larson.
A small, family gathering in Mary’s honor will fulfill her wishes.
So sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. I wondered why I had not seen anything on Facebook from her.
May God rest her soul