Mary Brenneman Gingerich passed away May 27, 2011 after a courageous ten-month battle with cancer, surrounded by family in her own home. Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at the Nashwauk Alliance Church. Pastor Jack Tillotson and Pastor Fred Whyte co-officiated the service. Mary was buried at the Nashwauk Cemetery with Range Funeral Home (Hibbing) in charge of arrangements.

Mary Magdalene Brenneman was born August 11, 1931 to Ephraim & Anna Brenneman in Sharon Center, Iowa. She grew up in Sharon Center, attending rural East Lincoln School where she completed eight grades in the one-room schoolhouse. Mary later attended Eastern Mennonite College for a short-term session.

She married Leslie R. Gingerich on March 18, 1953 and enjoyed 45 years of marriage with her grade-school sweetheart. Together, they served the Lord, pastoring a church in Nashwauk, Minnesota. Mary greatly loved her husband, children, grand-children, siblings and extended family, and always counted them as her most precious life-gifts.

She also enjoyed nature, birds, plants, and serving lovely tea parties to her girls, grandchildren, nieces & friends. After Leslie's death, a stray dog, Flicka, became her faithful companion and protector.

Mary loved to read & write poetry, publishing various poems and a book of her own creations entitled, "True Riches." She dearly loved interacting with people of all ages, but had a special love for children. All who met her, felt sincerely loved and accepted. Mary's love and prayers will be greatly missed by her family and many friends in Minnesota as well as in the Kalona area.

Mary's passion for God led her to become involved in her community. She was actively involved in Home-Extension meetings, ladies' Bible studies & Sewing Circle meetings. She also sang with the Sonshine Team at local Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Centers, and enjoyed weekly Senior meals with her peers. Mary did not know a stranger.

Survivors include five children: Carol Gingerich, East Petersburg, PA; Julia (Glen) Gingerich, Nashwauk, MN; Phil (Ronda) Gingerich, Mt. Dora, FL; Joyce Gingerich, Middlebury, IN; and Anne Gingerich, Lancaster, PA; eight grandchildren: Kendall (Karen) Gingerich, Plain City, OH; David (Jana) Gingerich, Columbus, OH; Janice Gingerich, San Diego, CA; Derek Gingerich, Minneapolis, MN; Tiffany Gingerich, Eustis, FL; Austin Gingerich, Boca Raton, FL; Clinton Gingerich, Mt. Dora, FL; Jordan Gingerich, Mt. Dora, FL; two great-grandchildren: Alex and Laney Gingerich; two brothers: Ivan (Paula) Brenneman, Marina, CA; and Milford Brenneman, Anaheim, CA; two sister-in-laws: Anna (Evan) Brenneman of Stuarts Draft, VA; and Mary Kathryn (Gaylord) Brenneman of Tampa, FL; two brother-in-laws: J. Edward Yoder of Donnellson, IA, and Virgil Miller of Kalona; one special Aunt Mary Brenneman, Kalona; and her dog Flicka, now retired at the home of her grand-daughter in Lake Joanna, FL.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband (Leslie); four brothers: Virgil Brenneman, David Brenneman, Gaylord Brenneman, and Evan Brenneman; and two sisters: Mildred Yoder and Jane Miller; and a sister-in-law, Helen Brenneman.
From: KalonaNews.com
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