Mary Verhel

Mary Ann Verhel, 97, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2019 surrounded by family at Primrose Retirement Community of Duluth.  She was born to Catherine and Michael Garay in Bennett, Wisconsin on May 30, 1922.  Mary grew up on a farm in Bennett and moved to Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1940’s, where she worked for Eveready making batteries and helped care for her young nieces. She moved back home to Wisconsin in 1948 and worked in the manufacturing industry.  Shortly after returning home she met the love of her life, Vernon Verhel, and on June 18, 1949, they were wed. Mary became a dedicated homemaker, and was an outgoing person who enjoyed embroidering and crafting with her “club girls”, spending time with her family, and reminiscing with friends.  She also enjoyed parties and get-togethers of all kinds.  Mary was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, four sisters, and her husband, Vern.  She is survived by her three children, Gene (Lynnette), Bill (LeeAnn), and Lynda Lagergren (Clyde), by seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and by her brother, August Garay (MaryLou), as well as by several nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thank you to Mom’s kind and caring angels at Primrose Retirement Community of Duluth, and to the Essentia St. Mary’s Hospice Team for helping to make her final journey comfortable. Visitation 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 2019 at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Friday from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. 2410 Morris Thomas Road. Rev Fr William Fider officiating. Burial at Oneota Cemetery.  Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.