Mary Agnes Wieczorek (O’Hern), 92, of Eagan passed away peacefully Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Born on December 15, 1932, in Mason City, Iowa, to Marguerite and John O’Hern, Mary graduated from the College of St. Catherine in 1954 and moved to Santa Maria, California, with her college bestie to teach — and see the world. Three years later, she returned to Minnesota for a teaching job in St. Louis Park. She met Bill Wieczorek at a New Year’s Eve party, and within eight months, on August 12, 1961, they married. Mary moved to Winona, where she and Bill welcomed five children in seven years.
From 1972–1994, Mary worked at the Cochrane-Fountain City school. She was a beloved teacher who taught fourth grade for her entire 30-year career — a job she found truly fulfilling.
After retiring, she dedicated her time to volunteering at Winona Health, St. Anne’s and Cathedral Church. She was an active member of Thursday Morning Bible Study, the Ruskin Club and several bridge groups. Proud of her Irish Heritage, Mary loved cooking, traveling and hosting parties. Most of all, she cherished time with her growing family and many dear friends.
Her Catholic faith was a central part of her life. As a member of the Cathedral parish, she was a lay minister, attended mass daily and spent an hour in the adoration chapel weekly.
In 2017, after her husband of 56 years passed away, Mary moved to Calista Court where she enjoyed a range of activities — including 4 o’clock happy hours. Last year, she moved to Eagan to be closer to her family.
She is survived by her loving children: Anne (Bruce) Granger, John (Sharon) Wieczorek, Paul (Magaly) Wieczorek, Beth Wolfe (Todd Busch) and Megan Myers; grandchildren: Owen and Gabby Granger, Keegan and Boden Wieczorek, Lucas Wieczorek, Tyler (Nicole), Ethan (Madalyn) and Griffin Wolfe; and great grandson: Finley Wolfe. Preceded in death by husband: Bill; grandson: Nicholas Wieczorek; granddaughter: Ava Granger; and sisters: Margaret O’Hern and Loretta Kelly.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 3 at 11 a.m. at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Winona. The Mass will be livestreamed. You can find the link on Cathedral’s website at https://facebook.com/cathedralwinona /. Memorials are preferred to Calista Court, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and Hermits of St. Mary, Houston, MN. Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Winona, MN and Fountain City, WI. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.
