Mary Teske

Mary Lou Teske, 86, died gently into God's hands with her family by her side on Friday, February 06, 2015, in St. Mary's Hospital.

She was born in McGregor, MN on March 29, 1928 to Lawrence and Lucille Anderson. Her family moved to Duluth when she was 12 years old. Mary attended Duluth Central High School and graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School. She married Robert Teske in 1949 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. They were married 53 years and lived most of that time in Kenwood as charter members of St. Benedict's Catholic Church. For the past five years Mary lived independently with her dog Molly at St. Ann's Residence.

Many people remember Mary from Kenwood Red Owl, where she worked for 29 years and retired from in 1987. She volunteered for many years at Aftenro Home, where she assisted with the weekly Catholic service for its residents. Mary and Bob, and in later years, her daughter Barbara, were bell ringers for the Salvation Army.

Family was the most important thing in Mary's life. She and Bob enjoyed many trips together and had especially fond memories of their four trips to Hawaii. Mary loved gardening and was very proud of her six foot high, very prolific, cherry tomato plants. She enjoyed picking wild blueberries, watching hummingbirds, taking Sunday drives up the North Shore, spending lazy days at her son Steven's cabin, going to the Portland Malt Shoppe and Dairy Queen, taking fishing trips to Cut Foot Sioux, and attending extended family gatherings. She was known for her awesome wild blueberry pies and chocolate chip cookies.

Mary will be remembered in love by children Barbara and Steven (Sue) of Duluth, and David (Patty) of Starkville, MS; grandson Daniel; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved Yorkie and constant companion, Molly. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bob (2003); and sisters Bonnie Sommer and Eileen Eggers.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Ann's for their kindness; and St. Mary's Hospice for the tender and loving care Mary received during her final days on earth.

Visitation will be held on Monday February 9, 2015 from 5PM to 7PM with a 6:30PM Wake Servcie in Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd Street. And will continue on Tuesday February 10, from 10AM until the 11AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Benedict's Catholic Church. 1419 St. Benedict Street, Duluth, MN, 55811. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to either St. Benedict's, or the Salvation Army. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 218-727-3555.