Mary Clare (Keller) Krage died peacefully with her six children by her side on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Mary was born on October 9, 1943, the fourth child of James and Luella Keller. She spent her early years on the family farm in Rollingstone, Minnesota, where she and her siblings shared many outdoor adventures together. When Mary was seven, the family moved to Winona, where she attended Cathedral Elementary School and Cotter High School.
Mary married Harvey Krage on September 14, 1963. They shared 56 years together, raising their family and building a life on their beautiful hobby farm in rural Houston, Minnesota. Mary enjoyed raising cattle, pigs, and chickens, as well as spending countless hours tending the beautiful garden she planted each year.
Harvey preceded her in death in 2019. Together, they raised six children: Kim (Jeff) Wilson, Dan (Valerie) Krage, Martin (Kristin) Krage, Trish (Kim) Rine, Michael (Jennifer) Spindler-Krage, and Charlotte (Gareth) Orsmond. In addition to her family, one of Mary’s greatest passions was nursing.
After her youngest child entered kindergarten, Mary returned to school and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winona State University in 1983. She went on to enjoy a long and dedicated career caring for others, with a particular passion for hospice and long-term care. She worked at Winona Hospital and Valley View Nursing Home in Houston, Minnesota, conducted healthcare physicals, and completed her career at Calista Court, where she continued working until she was finally convinced to retire in her late 70s. The profound impact Mary had on those in her care is reflected in the many heartfelt stories and kind words shared by former patients, their families, and colleagues. Mary was a caring mother and grandmother who treasured her family.
She is survived by her six children and their spouses, 19 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Anita Hamm.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her siblings, Patricia Kronebusch, James Keller, Carol Joyce, and Michael Keller.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Hoff Funeral Home in Winona on Sunday, September 20. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., with a ceremony beginning at 2:30 p.m. A lunch will follow at Hoff Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Rollingstone. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree or donating to the American Cancer Society to support cancer research.
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