Mary Alice O'Connor Ruen

Mary Ruen, 67, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary (O’Connor) Ruen was born on September 28, 1948 in Preston Minnesota, to Raymond and Helen (Collett) O’Connor. She was raised in a loving family on a farm outside of Preston Minnesota where she attended Crystal Springs Country School and graduated from Preston High School in 1966. On November 16, 1968, Mary married the love of her life, Donald Ruen at St. Columban’s Catholic Church in Preston, Minnesota. They made their home outside of Lanesboro Minnesota where they celebrated 46 wonderful years together and raised their three children.

Mary worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company from 1966 to 1969. She raised her family and worked with Donald on the family farm until she started working at the Lanesboro State Bank in 1985. In 1996, Mary left Associated Bank and began working for Ameriprise with her brother Joe O’Connor. She retired in 2005 and devoted the next 10 years of her life to her husband, children and grandchildren. Her family will forever treasure the time they spent with their Grandmother, especially the annual trip to the Wisconsin Dells where they enjoyed her famous cookies. She made a point to attend as many of her grandchildren’s activities in Lanesboro and in the Twin Cities. Mary was also an active member of the Lanesboro American Legion Auxiliary and various community organizations.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her husband Donald, her children: Tim (Jody) Ruen of Lanesboro, Tammy (Troy) Haag of Brooklyn Park and Nick (Trista) Ruen also of Lanesboro; she was blessed with 10 wonderful grandchildren Peyton, TJ, Connor, Trevor, Kaci, Lynsey, Brayden, Kyle, Emma and Aubrey; brothers and sisters, Jerome (Sharyol) O’Connor, Joe (Lydia) O’Connor, Fred (Linda) O’Connor, Chuck (Joan) O’Connor, Richard (Teresa) O’Connor, Monica Young, Susan (Jerry) O’Connor-Meyer, Ann (Baird) Swanson and sister-in-law Connie O’Connor.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Helen, two brothers, Gerald and Tim, one sister, Theresa Sylvanus and two brother-in-laws, Donald Young and Bill Sylvanus.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 3rd at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro with Pastor Kerry Eversole officiating. Visitation will take place from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Friday at the church. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements, 507-867-4310. rileyfuneralhomes.com.