Mary Ellen Olson

About Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Olson (Henry) 88, of Bemidji MN passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center.

Mary Ellen was born March 10, 1935 in Mahnomen, MN to Roderick & Dorothy Henry (Schmaus). In 1954, she graduated from Bemidji High School. She maintained a very close relationship with many of her classmates. Getting together often to reminisce over the Good Old Days were the "YA YA SISTERS" and "THE RED HAT CLUB". Class Reunion time was always a highlight of hers.

She married Thomas I. Wagner and together they had four sons; Michael, Thomas, Roddy & Bill.

Mary was a special lady with a big heart. She lived life to the fullest with her spunky and witty personality. Family was extremely important to her. Mary was a strong willed and extremely hardworking. She stood on her own two feet and never made any excuses. She instilled these and many other great values onto her sons.

She worked several jobs over the years. In 2002, she retired from her accounting position with Kasson Pool Table MFG, Babbitt MN. After retirement, she moved back to Bemidji MN to be closer to her family.

Mary had selfless energy as she actively served on many committees through out the years. In Babbitt, she was the Parade Grand Marshall and was on the board of all the Babbitt Beauty Pageants, Peter Mitchell Days & Arctic Blast Days to name a few.

In Bemidji she was the President of the Greenwood Cemetery Board, a member of The First City Singers, volunteered for many years at Lincoln School in the "America Reads" and "Reading Theater" Programs, receiving a "Someone Special" Volunteer Award in 2014.

Her Hobbies included: Flower & Vegetable Gardens, Soap Making, Quilting, Ceramics, Antique Collecting, Bingo & she loved Playing Cards with PINOCHLE being her all time favorite. She was gifted with a Green Thumb for Flower Gardens. Her yard was Amazingly Beautiful as it was filled with many Incredible Flowers.

She is survived by her Sons; Michael (Jodie) Wagner of Int'l Falls MN, Thomas (Carole) Wagner of Bemidji MN, William (Tina) Wagner of Turtle Lake WI. 8 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren, her Sister Dorothy "Mike" Carey of Int'l Falls, Brother John Henry of Florida, Sister in law Gail Henry of Florida and many Nieces, Nephews & extended family.

She was preceeded in death by her Son Roddy Wagner, her Parents, Brothers; Douglas (Mary Ann) Henry, Roderick (Ernestine) Henry Jr., Terry Henry, Sister Betty (Elroy) Beliveau, Sister in law LaMae Henry, Brother in law Don Carey.

Rest in Peace Mom - You will Always and Forever be Dear to our Hearts.

memorial service

Celebration of Mary Ellen's Life

September 29, 2023

Cease Family Funeral Home 2807 Irvine Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at Bemidji Eagles Club. Interment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Bemidji, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home