Mary Lou Klongerbo

ROCHESTER, MINN: Mary Lou Klongerbo, 81, died Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at Season's Hospice surrounded by family. Mary Lou Krans was born March 23, 1929 to John and Frida (Backman) Krans in Bagley, MN. She graduated from Bagley High School and later worked in Bagley, Chicago, and Minneapolis until she married Merlyn Klongerbo on June 26, 1948 in Bagley, MN. The couple lived in Estherville, IA for nineteen years where she raised her family of four. They moved to Clear Lake, IA where she worked as the secretary for Sunset Elementary School for ten years. They moved to New Ulm, MN and she worked as the secretary for Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Following her husbands' death in 1988, she moved to Rochester and has lived here since. Mary Lou was an avid reader of news and books; she enjoyed studying the atlas and working crossword puzzles. She was an enthusiastic Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. Mary Lou volunteered at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Madonna Towers, and Widowed Person's Service. She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Mary Lou is survived by her two daughters, Janet (Bruce) Ludwig, Rochester, MN and Karen (Michael) Margitan, Rochester, MN; her son, Ross (Terri) Klongerbo, Winter Park, FL; seven grandchildren, Michael (Liz) Faris, Jennifer (Jeff) Feece, Kristin Klongerbo, Benjamin Klongerbo, Anne (Steve) Schaffer, Sara Klongerbo, Luke Klongerbo; six great grandchildren, Emily, Zachary, Rachael, Grahm, Benjamin, Luke; and her sister, Janet Stenborg, Vernon Hills, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Merlyn, a son Robert, three sisters and one brother. She will be missed by her many friends from (WPS) Widowed Persons Services. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Season's Hospice, Mayo Hospice, and the American Cancer Society. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W. Rochester, MN 55901, 507-289-3600, www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.