Mary M. Wagner
March 5, 1933 – November 7, 2026
Mary Wagner passed away on November 7, 2026, at the age of 93.
Benson Funeral Home is taking care of the arrangements. There is no memorial service scheduled at this time.
Mary was born on March 5, 1933, to Ed and Hazel (Sell) Essendrup, on the farm near Raymond, Minnesota. After graduating from Raymond High School with the class of 1950, she completed a one-year course in the Medical Secretary program at Minneapolis Business School.
Mary attended Sunday School at the Raymond Methodist Church as a youngster and there she met a cute boy named Jim Wagner. They grew up to be high school sweethearts and then got married on August 22, 1953, when Jim was on a short leave from his military service in the army. After he was discharged, they moved to St. Cloud and spent the rest of their lives there, working, playing, and raising a family.
In addition to her career at Liberty Loan & Thrift, Mary enjoyed traveling, visiting with her many friends, square dancing, and attending as many of her grandkids’ activities as possible. She was a willing volunteer at church, at the hospital, and in schools.
She is survived by her daughter, Deb (Craig) Maki, her son, Tim (Ann), her sister, Carol (Paul) Meyer, her five grandsons, Kent (Nikki), Brant (Mieke), Brooks (Christina), Mitchell (Alyssa), Kiley (Kat), and two great grandchildren, Gideon and Charlotte.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jim, her brother, Larry, and two grandchildren, Brent and Bradley.
Mary had a good long life, and her family is very grateful for the care she received as she neared the end of it, especially from Country Manor Senior Housing, Belgrade Nursing Home, and CentraCare Hospice.