1926
Mary
2008
Mary Molenaar
January 15, 1926 — June 20, 2008
Mary Benson Gale Molenaar, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on Friday June 20, 2008.
Mary was born on January 5, 1926 in Minneapolis, the daughter of Robert and Verna (Ekberg) Gale. Mary grew up in Carver, MN and graduated from Chaska High School Valedictorian in 1943. She attended Macalester College for two years before transferring to the University of Minnesota, matriculating in 1947 with a master of nursing degree. While teaching at General Hospital she met her future husband, Robert Molenaar, in 1948 while he was attending medical school. They were married on July 21, 1949. They then moved to Cannon Falls in 1952 where Dr. Robert Molenaar set up his practice of medicine. She became a full time mother of five and homemaker. After the Cannon Falls Community Hospital opened in 1958, Mary worked as a night nurse for a few years.
Mary was actively involved in her community where she was one of the founding members of both the Hospital Auxiliary and the Tuesday Club. She enjoyed raising Elk Hounds for several years before finding her true love- horses. She was an active member of the Cannon Falls Ridge Riders and spent many summer weekends on trail rides. Despite a serious horse injury in 1992, she was back up on her horse, Rea, the following year leading the Ridge Riders in the July 4th parade.
With their children grown, Mary and Bob made the most of their “free” time traveling with friends to many countries in Europe, Central and South America. One particular trip took them hiking to the bottom of the Copper Canyon in Mexico, both deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon.
In Mary’s declining years she would put other’s needs in front of her own in many thoughtful letters and words. She will truly be missed, not just by her family, but her community as well.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dr. Robert, four sons Peter, Nick (Wendy), Kurt (special friend Beverly), Karl (Cynthia), and daughter Heidi (Larry) Fernandez; 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother John and grandson Dillan.
Memorial Service 4 pm Saturday July 5 at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls. Visitation from 1 pm until the hour of service at the church.
Memorials preferred to the Cannon Falls Hospital Auxiliary, Cannon Falls Library Foundation or the Cannon Falls Historical Society.
The family will have a private gathering following the service.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Molenaar, please visit our flower store.