Mary Saenz

Mary Saenz, age 100, of Mountain Lake, MN, died on October 12, 2026, at Good Samaritan Village - Mountain Lake.

Visitation will take place at Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 11:00AM to 12:30PM.

Graveside Service will follow at Cornerstone Cemetery in Mountain Lake on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 1:00PM.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake.

Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Mary (Buhler) Saenz was born February 20, 1926 to Aron and Mary Buhler in Mt. Lake, MN. She and her siblings grew up on the farm, helping with chores and other things on the home place. They were active in the church and Mary came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ early in life and felt a strong call to mission work.

After graduating high school in Mt. Lake, she attended Bible Institute and then studied at Goshen College, Wheaton College (where she earned a BA in Christian Education), as well as taking classes at Mankato State.

For 2 years she taught at the Christian Day School in Mt. Lake. Feeling the Lord's call for more preparation for the mission field, she took a Medical Missions course at Northwestern College in Minneapolis.

In 1953 Mary spent several months at the Gospel Missionary Union (now Avant) headquarters in Kansas City in Missionary Candidate school. She was accepted by GMU and the EMB Church in Mt. Lake commissioned her to serve in Panama. After raising her support, she left for Costa Rica in September, 1954 to attend language school. In July 1955 she moved to Panama to begin her work there. Going alone wasn't easy but she has often said she felt the Lord's presence with her.

She served in several different areas while in Panama, often in some stressful situations where she and her co-workers experienced spiritual as well as physical attacks on their work. Some of their early living conditions were challenging as well, but Mary often spoke of the Lord's care and how thankful she was to be a part of what He was doing there.

In 1963 she was part of opening a Seminary in Panama where she taught for several years. While there, she met Ventura who was preparing for the ministry. On August 1, 1970 they were married. Together they ministered in Panama, leading several churches until they moved to Minnesota in June of 2013.

Mary's heart continued to be with the people in Panama who became so close to her. She and Ventura considered many of them family. Mary often expressed her desire to return to Panama to visit and, while she was able to visit on a couple of occasions, physical constraints made it too hard later in life. The people there, as well as her fellow missionaries, continued to be on her heart up until the end. She prayed for them often and was always excited to hear from them.

She blessed so many, even in her later years while living in the Good Samaritan Village. Her sweet spirit and the gratitude she so often expressed were a real example to her family and friends, and to the staff there.

Her family is so grateful for the wonderful care the Good Sam gave her! We are also very thankful for Norma who became such a good friend and companion to Mary over the last few years. They spent many hours together studying Scripture and Mary appreciated her love and the time they spent together so much. And we are grateful for the wonderful friendship of Pastor Merwin and Arlene Dick who have helped Mary and her family in so many ways. Mary wanted to express her appreciation to Pastor Herms for his many visits and encouragement as well as Cornerstone Bible Church for the many years of support they gave her and Ventura.

Mary is survived by her brother, Paul (Alis) Buhler of Denmark; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ventura; her parents and 4 sisters and their husbands.

In lieu of flowers, Mary asked that gifts be sent to Avant Mission for the Ministry in Panama at 10000 N. Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64155. You may note on your donation that this is "In Memory of Mary Saenz", if you choose.