Mary Van Den Hemel, 84, Owatonna

Mary Van Den Hemel of Owatonna died Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 at the Mankato Hospital.

Funeral service will be Friday, Dec. 23, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Brick-Meger Funeral Home. Friends may greet the family Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022 from 5–7 p.m. at the funeral home, with a rosary being recited by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas at 5 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:30 until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday.

Mary Ann Schnorenberg was born Nov. 9, 1938 in Austin, to Edward and Anna (Dunleavy) Schnorenberg. She attended St. Peter Catholic Schools in Rose Creek and then Rose Creek High School, graduating in 1957. After graduation, she worked at an insurance agency and also did babysitting in her home.

She met Leonard Van Den Hemel in 1959 at a ballroom dance, and they were married on May 28, 1960.

Mary worked alongside her husband at their farm outside of Dodge Center for many years. The family moved to Owatonna in 1967. Mary began working at Owatonna Tool Company for a time and then at the Owatonna Hospital for fourteen years until her retirement. Mary also helped with Pre-Kindergarten screening for many families throughout the years.

Mary was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed knitting and camping. She also enjoyed lawn mowing at Pioneer Power and for many years had a booth at the LeSueur Pioneer Power Association Show.

Mary is survived by her children: Edward (Denise) Van Den Hemel, Owatonna; Betty (Mark) Ritz, Nicollet; Dennis (Becky) Van Den Hemel, Waseca; and Scott (Charity Knutson) Van Den Hemel, Owatonna; 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and one sister, Dorothy Schulz.

Mary was preceded in death by husband Leonard, parents, one son Duane, and four siblings: Bernard, Jerry, Lillian, and Francis. For more information or to leave a message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.