Marie Mortwedt

Marie Kathryn (Boyle) Mortwedt, 84, died peacefully on April 19, 2010, in the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Loretta Mortwedt of St. James, Minnesota. Mom was born in Sheldon, North Dakota, on August 16, 1925, the youngest of four children. She married Dad, Don Mortwedt, in April 1947. While raising four children, Mom taught elementary school full-time, while also getting her bachelor's degree and then her master's degree, achievements of great perseverance. Dad's work in radio involved frequent relocations early in their family life, including moves from North Dakota to Minnesota, Iowa, Washington, and Wisconsin. They lived much of their lives in Menomonie, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After Dad died in 1996, Mom enjoyed helping and socializing with many friends at River's Edge apartments in Eau Claire. In 2002, she moved to St. James, Minnesota, to be with her youngest grandchildren. Mom was hard working, selfless, self-reliant, persevering, patient and accepting, the heart of our family, there to prop us up as needed, and there to hold us together. She took her responsibilities very seriously, and she loved unconditionally, her faith and family central to her life. We were very, very blessed to have her as our mom and grandma. Preceded in death by her parents, two of her three brothers, her husband and an infant grandchild, she is survived by her brother Donald Boyle and his wife Marie of Jamestown, North Dakota, and her four children and their spouses and families: Dianne and Harry Kramer of Ellensburg, Washington; Kathy and John Hanson of Hayward and Eau Claire; Jim and Nancy Mortwedt of Altoona, Wisconsin; and Bob and Loretta Mortwedt of St. James, Minnesota. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Dorothy Snudden of Blackwell, Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews. She is treasured by her children and grandchildren, her legacy: Amanda Marie Mortwedt of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Erik (Sarah) Mortwedt of St. James, Minnesota; Jacob Mortwedt of St. James, Minnesota; Thomas Mortwedt of St. James, Minnesota; Matthew (Debbie) Mortwedt of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jessica (Luke) Fohrenkamm of Lake St. Croix Beach, Minnesota; Katharine (Thomas) Kallestrup of Copenhagen, Denmark. Four great grandchildren survive her as well: Owen, Ellen Marie, Redding and Peter. The Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 24 at Saint James Catholic Church in St. James, Minnesota. A one-hour visitation will also be held prior to the Mass, at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Private burial will be in Eau Claire, at Dad's graveside. Mom's gone home to God.