In this time of grief and mourning, we follow Mary Anna Cedar's (Heppelmann) wishes to focus on celebrating her life well-lived. Mary passed away Sunday afternoon, October 16, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Hospital – Austin Campus. She was born in 1932 and lived a full life celebrating her 90th birthday this past Wednesday, October 12th with some of her favorite things including family and pie. Family time defined the best times in Mary's life, and she was blessed with a lot of family. Her parents and seven brothers filled her early life. Her family expanded after marrying Tom and gaining his siblings as her own.  She and Tom brought four children into the world whom through marriage and births of their children Patricia Baranczyk (Randy) Roberta Worth (Bill), Rita Strauss (Matt), Daniel Cedar (Bonnie) her family expanded. She was blessed with 8 siblings and 4 in-laws, 57 nieces and nephews, 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by husband Thomas, her parents Frank and Mary (Krick) Heppelmann, one sister and 3 brothers.

Mary and her brothers walked from their home farm to primary school, up-hill both ways in Bellechester, MN. It was a welcome change when she started school at the Villa Maria in Lake City. All women and no commute. Still, rumors hold that she would sneak her brothers in both for her own benefit and her friends. She enjoyed dancing and spent lots of time visiting the Skyline in Red Wing. Her brothers saw to ensuring her suitors were closely vetted and intimidated. One fateful night Tom won over her brothers' favor and danced the night away with Mary Anna. The rest is history.

Mary worked hard throughout her life serving strangers throughout her career as a waitress and serving her family, neighbors and friends creating special memories big and small. When she could afford some personal time, she loved to visit the salon to get hair and nails done. Although, she was just as likely to get some dirt under those nails with some of her favorite past-times with Tom. They camped, fished, gardened, and canned as much as they could. Most of the time family joined them on their adventures near and far. If she wasn't out reeling in the next big catch, she could be found playing a round of cards and telling stories that often stretched into tall tales. Mary also enjoyed time in the kitchen baking pies and other treats we all were lucky to savor.

Mary is remembered most for the joy and humor she brought to all occasions. We are blessed by her presence in our lives and celebrate the memories we shared here on Earth. She is in good company in heaven rejoining those that passed before her.

Here's to you, Mary Ann.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 24, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Wing with Father Thomas McCabe officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery in Hastings. Friends and family may visit from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 23, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Memorials are preferred to Potters Ridge in Red Wing.