Mary Ellen Stepan

Mary Ellen (Pottsmith) Stepan, 81, of Willow River, MN, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2016, at the Augustana Mercy Health Care Center in Moose Lake, MN, with her family comforting her.
Mary was born in Bremen Township, MN, on May 16, 1935, to William and Ellen Pottsmith. Mary grew up in Denham, attending the Churchill grade school and graduating from the Willow River High School in 1953. She went on to earn her nursing degree from the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in 1956 and worked as a registered nurse all her professional life. Mary worked for 22 years as the school nurse and vocational health occupation instructor at the Barnum schools.

Mary married her high school sweetheart, Richard F. Stepan on May 18, 1957. Together they raised three children while living in Germany, Minneapolis, Wyoming, MN, and Willow River.
The love of Mary's life was her family. She loved being with her grandchildren, Mary was a very active church member at the Willow River Presbyterian Church for many years, including being church organist. Mary enjoyed playing the piano, baking, gardening, photography, and many types of crafts, and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Mary is survived by her husband, Richard "Dick" Stepan, her daughter Kim Stepan (Rob Tennant) of New Hope, MN, son Kent (Chris) Stepan of East Bethel, MN, and daughter Dawn (Jeb) Radel of Moose Lake, MN. Along with grandchildren, Kayla Radel, Brooke Stepan, and Connor Radel.

Visitation will be from 10:00 until the 11:00am Memorial Service on Friday, July 15, 2016 in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, 609 Folz Blvd., Moose Lake. Inurnment will be in Sunnyside Cemetery, Willow River. Luncheon will follow at the St. Mary's Center in Willow River, MN.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.