Mary Stegemann

Mary Stegemann, 76, of Lakefield, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Monday, May 29, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church in Lakefield, and will continue one hour prior to service on Tuesday. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, with Pastor Kathy Brandt and Pastor Russ Steele officiating. Burial will follow at the Lakefield City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged, and will be distributed throughout the community in Mary’s honor.

Mary Stegemann, 76, of Lakefield, died peacefully in her sleep at home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Mary Virginia (Wissink) Stegemann, the daughter of Laurence and Phyllis Wissink, was born November 30, 1946, in Rock Rapids, Iowa.  She graduated from high school in Sheldon, Iowa, and attended Northwestern College, Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Life Sciences and Library Science.  Mary was united in marriage to David Stegemann on August 21, 1969.  After they were married, Mary and David lived in Lakefield where Mary was a junior high science teacher and school district librarian for 35 years.  Mary and David took great pride and joy in their three boys – always supporting and encouraging them through 4-H, FFA, speech, band, piano, and various sports.  While teaching, there were many students who put together an insect collection as part of her seventh-grade science class or who participated on one of the high school knowledge bowl teams she coached. 

Mary was an avid reader, skilled and passionate quilter, and took tremendous pride in her famous graduation T-Shirt quilts.  Mary was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Lakefield, where she played the organ weekly, and served in numerous roles and committees with the congregation.  She also played organ at numerous weddings, funerals, and at the United Methodist churches in both Heron Lake and Jackson.  Prompted by her sons’ involvement in 4-H and FFA, Mary enjoyed judging at county fairs, while also being a member and supporter of the Lakefield Lions club. 

Mary cherished playing cards with her family and watching her grandchildren excel in school, sports, speech, and 4-H.  She was blessed with a great group of friends with whom she enjoyed playing games, grabbing coffee, or talking about a good book.

Mary is survived by her three sons: Michael Stegemann of Humboldt, Iowa, Aaron (Jody) Stegemann of Maple Plain, Minnesota, and Adam (Jackie) Stegemann of Dublin, Ohio; four grandchildren: Hannah, Charlie, Cole, and Ava; brothers Lee Wissink and Jay (Kelly) Wissink; sisters Helen (Bob) Schoon and Susan Reimers; and her good friend and companion LeeRoy Berglund. 

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, David, her parents, David’s parents, and two brothers-in-law.

Blessed be the memory of Mary Virginia Stegemann.

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