Mary Bernadette Van Offeren Obituary

Mary B. Van Offeren, age 89, of Maple Lake, died Sunday, July 13, 2025, at her home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with visitation one hour prior to the service. Fr. Kevin Magner will be the Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery on County Road 37, Maple Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the library fund at St. Timothy School in Maple Lake.
Mary Bernadette Paumen was born the fourth child of Leonard and Muriel (Pribyl) Paumen on August 30, 1935, on the family farm south of Maple Lake. Mary attended a one room country school and graduated from Maple Lake High School in 1953. After graduation, she moved to Minneapolis and worked for Pure Oil Co. She returned to Maple Lake and was united in marriage to George Van Offeren on December 27, 1958. Together, they operated the family dairy farm for almost 30 years and eventually bought land where they built their home as well as a barn. In 1962, Mary began working for Wright Hennepin and continued working in various positions, eventually becoming the Human Resources Manager. She retired after 30 years. She loved sharing stories of her working years, where she made many lifelong friends.
After retiring, they sold the farm and moved to Florida. Needing something to do, Mary went back to work at a golf course in 1992. Tragically, George died from a fishing accident that year.
Mary moved back to Maple Lake and she met Lyle Mueller at a senior dance. They shared many happy years, and Mary got to experience being a grandma as each of Lyle's grandchildren were born. She thoroughly enjoyed being part of all the family events.
Mary was a lifelong member of St. Timothy Catholic Church, Council of Catholic Women, Maple Lake VFW Auxiliary, Maple Lake American Legion Auxiliary, and several card clubs. She enjoyed life fully, loving to travel, fish, play cards, go to casinos, snowmobile, cheer on Minnesota sports teams, and especially to spend time with family and friends. She will be remembered for her faith, feisty nature, spirited demeanor, and sense of humor.
Mary is survived by her siblings, Marcella Schaufler of Maple Lake, Jerry (Joyce) of Buffalo, Maurice (Karen) of Waite Park, Rick (Judy) of Maple Lake, John (Nancy) of Eden Prairie, Jean (Gary) Neutz of Annandale, David (Marlene) of Hoover, AL, and Greg (Diana) of South Haven; sisters-in-law, Linda Paumen and Joan Pribyl; numerous nieces, nephews, and their families; and many friends. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, George; parents, Leonard and Muriel Paumen; siblings, Lenore Paumen, Russell (Martha) Paumen, Robert (LaVonne) Paumen, Douglas (Wanda) Paumen, and Tom Paumen; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Norbert Schaufler, Bertha Van Offeren, Mary Van Offeren, Marge (Frank) Jacobson, Jessie (Hugh) Miller, and Don Pribyl.
Alan Paumen, Dale Paumen, Paul Paumen, Steve Schaufler, Jeff Paumen, and Jim Paumen will serve as urn bearers. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
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