Mary Perkins

Mary Joyce Giese, daughter of Herman and Helen (Hahn) Giese, was born May 16, 1933 on the family farm in Horton Township, Stevens County, Minnesota. Mary grew up in that area and began her education at the Stevens County District 16 rural school. She later attended the Hancock High School, graduating in 1951. Shortly after her graduation, Mary began working at the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris in the food service department. Because there was no school in the summer months, she spent that time working at Glacial National Park in Montana and also at the Echo Trail north of Duluth. On December 21, 1964, she was united in marriage to Sheridan Perkins. The couple made their home in Morris, and Mary continued to work at the Ag School. When the school became a branch of the University of Minnesota, Mary took the position of head dietician, and served in that capacity until retiring in the mid 1990's. Sheridan died on August 22, 1986. Following her retirement, Mary continued to stay busy serving as church organist at Zion Lutheran Church, a position she held for many years. She had also been very active with many other groups and activities at the church over her many years of membership. Some of Mary's other hobbies included playing both the organ and accordion, painting, reading, and singing.



Mary died on Monday, April 14, 2008 at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Nursing Home in Belle Plaine, MN, having lived to reach the age of 74 years.



She is survived by one sister: Norene (Bud) Kaehler of Morris; one brother: Delton (Monica) Giese of Shakopee and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sheridan; her parents, Herman and Helen Giese and one infant brother, Byron Giese.



Pallbearers for the service are: Wayne Kaehler, Allan Kaehler, Mark Kaehler, John Kaehler, Darren Giese and Eric Giese. Pedersen Fuenral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.