Mary Rufer

Mary Rose Rufer, age 96, formerly of Strandburg died on October 15, 2017, at Milbank Area Hospital-Avera Health. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 20, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Annunciation in Revillo. Padre Davíd Garza will officiate, and burial will be at LaBolt Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church, and will continue on Friday, one hour prior to the funeral service.

Mary Rose Rufer passed away on October 15, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on April 15, 1921, to Ben and Clara (Koltes) Beckman in Delaware County, Iowa. As a young child, her family moved to a farm near Wendell, MN. She enjoyed working and playing on the farm with her ten brothers and sisters, and attended country school near Wendell, MN.

Mary married Leonard Rufer on April 15, 1940, in Breckenridge, MN, and they lived with her parents for two years. They then moved to Idaho where Leonard worked in a defense plant. When Leonard was drafted and deployed in the US Army, Mary moved back in with her parents. After the war, they moved to Charlesville, MN, and then the family moved to Strandburg, SD, where they continued to live until her death. In addition to raising her family, Mary occasionally worked various jobs outside the home.

Mary was a member of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Revillo, SD. Her faith was an important part of her life, especially in her last days. She enjoyed doing many craft projects, cooking, baking, canning for her family, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was also an avid gardener and took great pride in her beautiful flowers. Mary wanted to pass on her quilting to future generations, and each new grandchild received a quilt that she made especially for them.

Mary is survived by her daughters: Peggy (LeRoy) Lund of Madison, MN; Lenore Rufer of Hastings, MN; Dolly (Ron) Buth of Strandburg, SD; Barbara (Norm) Jacobson of Hastings, MN; Cheryl Rufer of Minneapolis, MN; Carol (Curt) Jutting of Strandburg, SD; and Julie (Allan) Meyer of Cedar Rapids, IA; two daughters-in-law: Delores Rufer of Strandburg, SD; and Karen Rufer of Beardsley, MN; sister, Mickie Schuster of Brainerd, MN; brother, Rodney Beckman of Monument, CO; 27 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and two honorary grandchildren whom she babysat for many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Leonard; sons: David, Mike and Jimmy; one grandson, Chris Lund; five sisters; three brothers; and her parents.

Mary was a wonderful mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family. Her friends and family will all miss her sense of humor and feisty nature. We know that now Mom and Daddy are dancing together again in heaven!