Mary Senst

Mary (Agnes) Senst passed away at her home in Rochester on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the age of 91. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester with Reverend Nathaniel Schwartz officiating. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Sharing and Caring Program at Trinity Lutheran Church. Mary was the oldest of six children, born on March 15, 1926, to Jacob and Esther (Hinze) Jensen on a farm near Racine, MN. When she was ten, the family moved to Rochester where she continued her education. She graduated from Central High School in 1944, and entered the Naval Cadet Corp Nursing Program in Washington D.C. She met Earl Senst when she was home on leave and never returned to complete the nursing program. They were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester on October 6, 1946, and celebrated 71 years of marriage before Earl's death in 2017. In 1951, Earl and Mary started their own moving business, S&S Moving and Storage Inc. and built it into a very successful and reputable business in Rochester for 60 years. They worked well as a team with Mary involved in the packing of household goods and Earl traversing the country in his semi. They both continued packing and driving until they were in their 80's. Aside from her work, other interests included traveling, reading, doing crossword puzzles and hosting family gathering which generally included her renowned potato salad, deviled eggs and lemon meringue pie. Her kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness were felt by everyone who knew her and that will no doubt be her legacy. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a community she served in many ways and supported for more than 70 years. Her faith carried her throughout he many challenges she faced throughout her life, particularly the last 20 years as she lived with breast cancer enduring many surgeries and treatments. Mary is survived by her children, Bonnie (David) Sandell of Edina, MN, Tom (Jane) Senst of St. James City, FL and David (Sandy) Senst of Rochester; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; son Roger; three brothers; one sister and one-half sister. Special thanks to the Mayo Clinic Hospice for their excellent care; her sister-in-law, Doris Jensen for her encouragement and Trinity Lutheran Church and staff for their support. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.ranfranzandvinefh.com