Marianne "Mary" C. Leitner

On Thursday, May 18^th, 2023, Marianne “Mary” Catherine Leitner (Schwartz), age 89, passed away at her home in Perham, MN.

Born on January 26^th, 1934, in Meeme, Wisconsin, Mary was the second of four children born to Henry and Irene (Salm) Schwartz. She grew up on a dairy farm and graduated from Kiel High School in 1952.

She caught the love of her life’s eye, Robert, while working in the office at Lake-to-Lake cheese factory. Their first date was attending a Wayne King concert. They were married December 27^th, 1958, at St. Fidelis Catholic Church, in Meeme, Wisconsin. They were blessed with four children, Lisa, Mark, Linda, and Michael.

Mary was a wonderful example of a Godly woman who dearly loved her husband, Robert through their 64 years of marriage. She represented genuine love, exemplary faith in God, and was rich in kindness. Mary was a devoted mother, a woman that was deeply rooted in her values, and dutifully served the Lord. She was known as always being calm, ever so patient, and was always there for her children and grandchildren whenever they needed her. One of her greatest joys was attending her grandchildren’s activities and visiting and seeing her great-grandchildren. There was always a sugar cookie or two to be had while visiting! She passed her love of reading down to her daughter Lisa, granddaughter Gina, and great-granddaughter Carly. She was deeply loved by her family.

She and Robert moved several times in Wisconsin including farming at the Schwartz family homestead, before settling in Perham, MN in 1974 where she worked a few years at the Eye Clinic for Dr. Kupferschmid as a receptionist. In 1986, they moved a few miles outside of Perham, which their family lovingly refers to as the “farm”. They returned to their formative years and were fortunate to grow alfalfa & grain, enjoyed picking raspberries, canning the plentiful vegetables grown in their garden, and appreciated countless walks up the trail. Over the years, she and Robert enjoyed playing many rounds of golf, dancing the waltz and polka, playing Sheepshead and Rummy, and much to the dismay of their Minnesota friends, cheering on the Green Bay Packers!

Winters were spent in McAllen, Texas where they enjoyed playing card games with friends new and old. Her rhubarb pie was savored by many at the community’s potlucks. Her homemade bread, buns, and coffee cake, jams, tomato soup, and pickle relish were enjoyed by many throughout the years. Special birthday cakes were often made for her children and grandchildren. Mary spent time volunteering at the public library where she would pick up several more books to devour. She loved reading a good non-fiction book, ice skating on the pond, and enjoyed sewing and altering many garments over the years.

While we will miss her deeply, we will rejoice knowing that she is home with her Savior and that she is with her parents, sister Bernice, and other loves ones that have gone before her. Our time will come when we see her again, until then we will rest knowing she is watching over us. Blessed be the memory of Mary Leitner.

She is survived by her husband, Robert, Perham, MN; daughter, Lisa (James) Hemmelgarn, Richville, MN; son, Mark (Sue), Hastings, MN; daughter, Linda (Brian) Mahoney, Reiles Acres, ND; son, Michael (Nicole), Dilworth, MN; brother, Leander (Helen), Green Bay, WI; sister, Louise Lundie, Mt. Juliet, TN; brother-in-law, Wayne Olm, Green Bay, WI; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ken (Ginny) Leitner, Waupun, WI; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dick (Joan) Leitner, De Pere, WI; grandchildren, Gina (Tyler) Ice, Fergus Falls, MN; Troy (Megan) Hemmelgarn, Perham, MN; Travis (Chelsey) Hemmelgarn, Perham, MN; Joe (Kebi) Struyk, Minneapolis, MN; Josh Stryuk, Hastings, MN; Brandon Mahoney, Reile’s Acres, ND; Taylor (Karen) Mahoney, Dilworth, MN; Zach (Ashley) Mahoney, Grand Forks, MN; Maddie Leitner, Moorhead, MN; Nathan Leitner, Dilworth, MN; Mallory Leitner, Dilworth, MN; great-grandchildren, Carly, Morgan, & Jolie Ice, Peyton, Noah, & Lauren Hemmelgarn, Parker & Rylie Hemmelgarn, and Zoe & Chloe Struyk; along with many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Ethel Leitner; father in-law, Severin Leitner, her sister, Bernice Olm; brothers-in-law, Thomas Mathews, Mel Lundie, and Marv Leitner; sisters-in-law, Patricia Leitner and Diane Leitner.

Visitation will begin at Schoeneberger Funeral and Cremation Service in Perham on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. and Parrish Prayers at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, followed by the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at St. Henry’s Catholic Cemetery in Perham.

Memorials may be given to St. Henry’s Area School and to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com