Mary L. Roers

Mary Roers, 93, of Alexandria, MN passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2015. Mary Louise Miller was born on May 3, 1922 in Breckenridge, MN to Nick and Margaret (Westrup) Miller, she was the fourth of their seven children. As a child, Mary and her family moved to Millerville, MN where she went to school through the 8th grade, at which time she was needed at home and to work in the family’s store. In October of 1940, Mary married Frank Roers of Urbank, MN. They farmed near Millerville where they raised nine sons and two daughters, one who died shortly after birth. In the mid-seventies Frank and Mary moved into Alexandria and Mary began to work at Knute Memorial Nelson Home caring for the residents. Frank passed away in September of 1985. Mary kept busy making quilts, attending her grandchildren’s activities, and making her famous “rubber” buns for church and family events. She found a new dancing partner in Howard Way and they were married on November 25, 1989. They enjoyed their time together until his passing in 1994. Mary remained very active at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She loved watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings with her brother-in-law Harry Roers, who was her devoted companion for the latter part of their lives. Mary found great joy in her family and she spent a great deal of time traveling to her grandchildren’s religious and sporting events. She was a prolific quilter and made blankets for many of her children and grandchildren. No one ever went hungry when Mary was around, even if they had just come home from brunch, she was certain to set out “a little lunch” which would likely include ham and her famous buns. Mary never slowed down. Friends and family often wondered how one woman could successfully raise nine sons and a daughter with such good humor. Even into her late-eighties her grandchildren couldn’t move fast enough to walk along-side her. She finally decided at the age of 76 to retire. Mary left Knute Nelson after 23 years, and devoted more time to traveling to her children’s homes and watching baseball. Mary is survived by six of her sons: John (Mary Ann) Roers of Sioux Falls, SD; Joe (Betty) Roers of Alexandria (formerly of Marshall, MN); Jim (Sandra) Roers of Fargo; Ted (Paula) Roers of Fargo; Harry (Jeanie) Roers of Rosholt, SD(formally from Alexandria); and Fran (Pam) Roers of Fargo; as well as 22 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren her brother Joe (Betty) Miller of Crystal, MN and her sister Dorine Lehn of Little Falls, MN, daughters-in-law; Mazie (Jim Kruse) and Marilyn Roers. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husbands; her sons Kenny, Duane, Tom , daughter Anne Hagner and infant daughter Mary Susan Roers; sisters Florence Revering and Elaine Adamek and brothers Roman, John, and Phillip. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 – 8:00 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Seven Dolors Cemetery in Millerville, MN. In lieu of flowers memorial are preferred. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net Online guestbook available at http://www.andersonfuneral.net/obituaries/Mary-Roers/ .

Mary L. Roers

May 3, 1922 - August 31, 2015