Mary Louise Bolek, 76, passed away on May 21 at Lakeside Healthcare Center SH| in Dassel after a protracted fight with cancer. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. at Church of St. Philip in Litchfield.
Mary was bom on the northern Minnesota prairie of Roseau County to Lewis and Veronica (Buczek) Bolek on December 8, 1947. The Bolek family moved to Meeker County in the spring of 1949 having grown to a family of four with the addition of a sister Jeanette. Mary enjoyed a 1950s rural farm life including piano lessons, pet sheep, farm chores and attended country school (District #76) graduating from Litchfield High School.
Mary enrolled at the newly opened junior college in Willmar in the fall of 1965 having selected a music major and graduated four years later in 1969 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Music Education from Mankato State. Her first teaching assignment was in Clarkfield School District, later holding positions in Buffalo Lake and Elgin-Millville. After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Voice, she went on to Keosauqua, Iowa, after which she changed her career path by choosing Notre Dame University’s Music Liturgy program graduating with a degree in Liturgical Ministries, moving to Casper, Wyo., to begin her work there. Later Mary worked in the Twin Cities at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West St. Paul and then on to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall and St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Willmar. Retiring after more than 40 years in Music Liturgy, Mary stayed active in church music, both at St. Philips Catholic Church in Litchfield and Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City. She started the prayer shawl ministry at St. Philips, knitting and crocheting shawls to provide prayers and comfort for those beset by illness, while also playing piano and directing choir at Trinity Lutheran. Mary also served on the New Ulm Diocesan Worship and Spiritual Life Committee as well as being involved in several diocesan events through the years.
She enjoyed many hobbies including flower gardening and spent several years as a Minnesota Extension Master Gardener. In winter Mary stayed busy quilting, knitting, crocheting and even tried working the loom. Mary also took part in local theatre productions and community choirs wherever she lived. Another enjoyable pursuit was her love of a good mystery; she was an avid reader.
She is survived by her sister Jeanette (David) Stottrup, nephews Benjamin Stottrup (Neota Moe), Nathaniel Stottrup, great-nephews Eli, Samuel and great-niece Violet Stottrup.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lewis and Veronica Bolek.
