Mary Jirele, 87, Owatonna

Mary Pat Jirele, 87, of Owatonna, died surrounded by her family on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at the Owatonna Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owatonna. Friends may greet the family from 3–7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, Owatonna, and one hour prior to the funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church on Wednesday.

Mary Pat was born to Albert and Elizabeth (Walbert) Nechville on Sept. 30, 1936, in Owatonna. She grew up in Medford, on the family farm. Pat graduated from Owatonna High School and then went on to work at Jostens for a few years.

On Oct. 11, 1958, she married Al Jirele at Christ the King Church of Medford. Pat and Al were happily married for 65 years. After their marriage, she stayed home to raise their four girls.

Pat belonged to many organizations and loved many things including: fishing, gardening, baking, bowling, sewing, playing bridge, and taking care of her family. She belonged to the Eagles, Elks, Izaak Walton League, and the Women’s Auxiliary of St. Joseph Church. She loved the annual summer family vacations that her entire family went on for 32 years. She also enjoyed hosting all family holiday gatherings at her and Al’s home; they were very special to her.

Pat was known to be a firecracker and always full of jokes, but she had the most tender heart. Everyone who crossed paths with her couldn’t help but fall in love with her. She will be dearly missed by her family.

As a family, we would like to extend a special thank you to all her amazing caregivers at Timberdale Trace.

She is survived by her husband Al Jirele and her four daughters, Kim (Al) Zago, Lisa (Mike) Gaveske, Michelle (Mike) Grunwald, and Nicole (Bryan) Katzung, all of Owatonna; grandchildren Todd Hofdahl, Rachel (Pat) Boyd, Trevor (Lindsey) Grunwald, Taylor Gaveske (fiancé Dexter Leer), and Preston, Kellen and Kennedy Katzung; great-grandchildren Devin,

Felix, Damian, Reagan, Lenna, Bristol, Landen, Blaire, Laurel, Allie and Shae; and in-laws Ed and Arlene Jirele.

She was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Elizabeth Nechville; brother Don Nechville; and in-laws Chuck and Barb Skalicky, Jen and Larry Mahoney, and Mary Ann Sorenson.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Alzheimer’s Association or to the charity of your choice.