Mary Jo Diedrich

life story

Diedrich, Mary Jo, age 88, of St. Paul, MN, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wergin; parents, DeWitt and Doris Stewart; and her best friend of many years, Phyllis Goodlet, of Marshfield, WI.

Mary Jo retired from The League of Minnesota Cities as a Legislative Secretary and worked many years as a Legal Secretary at Hamline University Law School to help put her children through college.

Mary Jo was a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend. She spent her life surrounding her family and friends with love, comfort, warmth, and sass.

A woman full of humor and creativity, Mary Jo was known for her selfless devotion to those she loved, particularly her beloved grandchildren. Her life revolved around them, and she found unparalleled joy in watching them grow, learn, and thrive. Every moment with her was filled with laughter, gentle guidance, and the quiet reassurance that family was everything. Whether it was celebrating milestones, sharing stories, or simply spending time together, she was always there.

Mary Jo had an affinity for crafting. She spent countless hours cross stitching, knitting and crocheting. One of her favorite things was to make baby blankets for those around her. Each blanket, made with tender care, was a symbol of her love and devotion.

She was also an avid reader and passed that love of reading onto her children and grandchildren. She kept a log of all the books she’s read, couldn’t pass a bookstore without shopping, and even went so far as to capture her life stories in a book for her family one Christmas.

In addition to her family, crafting, and reading, she had a passion for flamingos. With the colorful decorations and whimsical items that adorned her home, and her body, she always had a playful and lighthearted spirit. Her love for flamingos became a symbol of her personality and a trademark of the family.

Mary Jo is survived by her children, Doug Diedrich, Marcy (Chris) Brake, Lynn (Erik) Christopher and her grandchildren, Nicole Diedrich, Jayson Diedrich, Jill Defiel, Kyle Christopher, and Emma Christopher. Also survived by her sister, Sharon Iliff and sister in law, Verdean (Dale) Franklin, along with umpteen nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and many friends. Her legacy of love, warmth, humor, and creativity will live on through her family and the many blankets, memories, and flamingo trinkets she left behind.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 27 at the Hugo American Legion, Post 620 at 4:00 PM for family, followed by a Celebration of Mary Jo’s life from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Mary Jo's memory.

memorial service

Memorial Service

December 27, 2024

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services