Mary McMahon
July 13, 1958 - September 5, 2009
Mary McMahon, age 51, of Glenwood, died unexpectedly Saturday, September 5, 2009 at
North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Funeral services will be held 11:00
A.M. Wednesday, September 9, at Glenwood Lutheran Church with interment in
Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Tuesday,
September 8th at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to
the service at the church on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the
family. Arrangement are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. Mary
Elizabeth Oltmanns the daughter of Richard and Pearl (Lindquist) Oltmanns was born July
13, 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mary attended school in Big Lake, Minnesota, and
graduated from the Big Lake High School in 1976. She went on to further her education at
St. Cloud State University receiving a degree in elementary education in 1980 and in
1999, Mary earned her masters degree from the University of St. Thomas. On October
23, 1982, Mary was united in marriage to James McMahon in Big Lake. They made their
home in Glenwood. This marriage was blessed with two sons, John and Tom. Mary and
Jim shared 26 years of marriage. Mary taught school in Lynwood Township, Minnesota,
Glenwood and presently taught 2nd grade in Melrose, Minnesota. She was a member of
Glenwood Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and belonged to the Sarah
Circle. Mary's hobbies included reading, traveling, biking, scrapbooking, and crossword
puzzles. She enjoyed going on her girls' weekends with her college friends and going to
the cabin with family. She especially loved being a wife and mother. She cared for her
family by being a fireman's wife, sports mom, and Eagle Scout mom with support and
unconditional love. Mary is survived by her husband, Jim McMahon of Glenwood; sons,
John McMahon of Bemidji, MN, and Tom McMahon of Glenwood; parents, Richard and
Pearl Oltmanns of Big Lake, MN; brother, Mark (Karen) Oltmanns of Big Lake; father-inlaw, Phil (Lenora) McMahon of Glenwood; mother-in-law, Phyllis Swedenburg of
Glenwood; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her
grandparents.
Comments
“
Jim, John, Tom--It is hard to find the
words to describe the shock and saddness I feel at the loss of Mary. It is hard
to come to terms with this news. So
young and full of life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. All
the wonderful memories will slowly help
to adjust to this news. If there is
anything I can do, let me know. I am
always here for you. May God be with
all of you now and in the future.
Love and Prayers. Annette
Annette Brandt - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
My heart goes out to you Jim, John and Tom. You have my very DEEPEST
sympathy!
cheryl kleven - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Dear Jim, John, Tom, parents and brother of Mary, and family: I can't begin to
express my heartfelt sorrow at hearing of the untimely passing of Mary! How sad
both Norm and I are and how sober and helpless we feel. Life is so fragile! Our
thoughts are with you. Our prayers are with you. And we pray for the precious
presence of the Holy Spirit--that He will minister peace and comfort to all of you
during this very, very difficult time. In the coming days, be strengthened in the
knowledge that you have many friends who care for you and are lifting up you and
your family to our God who promises to be present in our time of sorrow and need.
Mary will be missed by many. I count it a privilege to have known her.
annette kolden wegener - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
My deepest sympathy to your family at this time of great sadness. I visited with Mary
several times over the past several weeks as we prepared to start a new school
year. Mary was so looking forward to another year teaching 2nd grade and shared
her excitement at the new things she had learned at a workshop this summer. I
worked closely with Mary as part of the TEAM UP group at school and enjoyed
getting to know her more personally as we spent time together in our training. My
heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you as you struggle to deal with this extreme
loss. May your happy memories of Mary bring you some measure of comfort in the
difficult days ahead.
Mary Prax Williams - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim and family There is nothing I can say to lessen your grief. My thoughts and deepest sympathy
are with you. Tears are cleansing. Jean
Jean Mattson - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim and family: I'm trying to find words that will comfort you - they aren"t easy to
find...and telling you that tears and time and trust in the Lord will see you thru comes
too early now to be believed...but its true.
Sandy & Jon Bergman - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Dear Jim, Tom and John,
We were saddened to hear of Mary's passing. What a shock this is to our whole
community! She was a great person and she will be greatly missed. As with many
others, we are certainly here for you if you need anything ...
Coni Hoffman - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
You are in our prayers. We will miss Mary so much in Glenwood. She was a
wonderful person. God is with you, Mary is wtih Jesus. God bless you all.
Claire L. Hill - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim, Tom, and John,
I am still numb over the news of Mary's passing. I taught with her in Melrose until I
retired a few years ago. I was the elementary librarian so our rooms were right next
to each other. We did many projects together using the library resources and
computer resources. I respected Mary so much, she was a great teacher and
friend.She was a true treasure. She will be missed by many.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. Hold your memories close for she will always
be with you.
Sincerely, Debbie Picha
Debbie Picha - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim and family,
Our heart is aching for you. We are so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in
knowing that Mary is in a safe and better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with
you at this time.
God Bless all of you,
Rob, Terri, Colin, Ella and Olivia
Paul, Kris, Hunter and Logan
Hunt's Resort - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
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Mary will be truely missed. She was a great mom, wife and friend. Know that you are
all in my thoughts and prayers. Her memory will live on for many years to come for
many, many people. Thank you for letting her be a part of our lives.
September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim, John, and Tom
I valued the friendship of your Mother greatly. I'm hearbroken over her passing, even
while I'm sure in the knowledge she is safe in the arms of the Lord. I will be able to
see you tomorrow and convey my sympathy to you in person. She was a dear and
wonderful friend, I am so sorry you had to lose her so soon.
Karen Ambrosius - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim, Tom and John,
It's so difficult to write anything to you that seems at all adeguate right now. Just
know I'm thinking of you all and praying you will have the support you need to help
you at this time. I know first hand what a wonderful and proud mother Mary was and
the joy you put in her life.
LuAnne Strand - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I liked Mrs. McMahon as my teacher last year she did a
good job. I will miss seeing her at school.
Gracie Drossel - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim, Tom and John, we are so sorry to hear about Mary. We really liked visiting with
her during basketball seasons. We are keeping you all in our prayers. Just remember
that she is in a better place with our Lord and Savior. Take care.
The Lien Family - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
May God Bless the McMahon
family, Tom, John and Tom. Our thoughts and prayers go to you all. Mary was a
wonderfull person and will be missed by all. Be strong in these tough times ahead.
You will prevail. Mary, rest in peace.
Ned, JoAnn, Amber & Adam Kleinschmidt - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
I am so sorry for your loss. I talked to Mary on Thursday last week and she seemed
so excited for the school year to start. She always gave me a small thank you note
and chocolates when I did translations for her. I will miss her free spirit and love for
teaching! My deepest sympathy during this untimely loss. Your family is in my
prayers!
Mindy Thull - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was an incredible person and teacher. She was the
one I often went to for advice. I was able to be in her classroom when she was
teaching for a couple of days. She was impressive! She obviously cared so much for
the kids and taught them in such a competent way. Be proud of her and know that
she always spoke with such love when she talked about her family.
Monica O'Riley Searcy - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Dear Jim and the entire family,
I was in complete shock and such sadness to hear about Mary...
I am searching for something to write that would help in any little way but I cannot. I
am so sad for you.
Mary lived a life of so much kindness and a very blessed family.
You all are deeply in my prayers.
God hold you all.
Miki Peltier
Michele Peltier - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Although I personally never met Mary, I knew her quite well through her husband,
Jim. I knew that she was a dedicated wife and mother and loved her family more
than anything. I am so sorry Jim, John and Tom for your unexpected loss. My
prayers are with you.
Jan Shaughnessy - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim, John, Tom and all of Mary's families;
Words can't even tell what pain we feel for you during this time. Mary was a
wonderful person. Her memories will forever live on through her families.
God be with you.
Brian and Carol Sutton and family
Brian and Carol Sutton - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim and family,
We would like to express our sympathy in your loss of Mary. I, personally didn't know
Mary very well, but I did know you and both Steve and I know the hours you devoted
to Scouting and of course you were like a neighbor at the service station on
Minnesota Ave.
I am so sorry that you all are experiencing such an unexpected loss, and I have no
words to offer. I wish I did. We wish you all days that will be
better, but we know there will be as many that are very tough. We send our
sympathy to you, your sons and your families. Sincerely, Sue and Steven Bodeker
Susan Bodeker - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Dear Jim & family - Phil & Lenora & family:
We were so saddened to hear of Mary's death. She was always pleasant and sweet
and nice to everyone!! We remember her walking by our house every day - even in
the winter when it was cold outside! Jerry always commented on how she "just glided
along" with her walk and always made it look so easy!
I will be getting cards out to you - I am sorry that we cannot come to the funeral!
Our thoughts & prayers to all of you!
Jean & Jerry Wigdahl
John Wigdahl
Jana Wigdahl & Jonathon McIver
Jerome & Jean Wigdahl & Family - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
What a precious, grand lady was Mary.
We pray God's abiding and comforting presence bear you up during these trying
days.
Norm and Edna Hansen - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim and family, We are so very sorry to hear about Mary. SHe always had a smile. I
did scrapbooking with her on a few retreats in Alexandria. Know that our thoughts
and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Deb and Jeff Budzisz - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Danny Hennen told us about Mary. We are so sorry for your unexpected loss. Our
thoughts & prayers are with you. As difficult as it is, just remember that God has a
reason for everything & will guide you on your journey.
With sympathy,
Tony & Teresa Rossow
Redwood Falls, MN
Tony & Teresa Rossow - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Pastor, Pearl, Jim and family, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mary's sudden
passing. I have many fond childhood memories of Mary from Saron Lutheran and
from visiting in Glenwood. I remember her as a very sweet and caring person. May
your memories of Mary comfort you and God be with you to help you through this
time of grief.
Kristin (Adams) Wolf - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim, John, Tom and Family,
We are so saddened to hear this news and want you to know that our family holds
you in our hearts and prayers. We are so thankful we had time together this summer
at the reunion and will treasure Mary's touch: The campfire in the drizzle, the
pantoon boat visit with Terri, the pride she shared of "her boys." I tried to find a flight
out of Alaska to be there but with the holiday I couldn't get it figured out. We'll be
there in thought. May you find peace in knowing you're loved by many.
Barry and Terri Schimmack and family - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
After reading all the wonderful tributes to Mary, all I can do is reiterate the sentiment
that there is a reason for everything that happens, known only to God. Everything is
in divine perfect order, but of course, we always suffer deeply over the loss of a
loved one. Mary's spirit will continue to be near those she loved so much. Jim, you
and your sons gave her much happiness, and deeply enriched her life. May those
thoughts help all of you through this time of grieving and adjusting to your profound
loss. The whole community is holding you in their love and prayers.
Ginger Beck - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
To Jim, John, Tom, Richard, Pearl, Mark, Karen, Jason, Sarah and Jim's familyIt's impossible to know what to say. We're shocked and incredibly sad that Mary is
gone. To think that we were together just last month at the reunion is heartwarming
yet heartbreaking. We're so thankful for that precious time. I will remember her not
just as my only girl cousin, but as an incredible person. She was the shining example
of family devotion, selflessness, grace and strong faith.
We will all miss her.
Please know that we are with you in spirit.
Susan Oltmanns-Koozin - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Jim, John, & Tom, We extend our sympathies to you. We stopped at the funeral
home last night, but time constraints and the length of the line did not allow us to stay
to see you. That long line is certainly a testament to the warmth this community feels
for your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
To Jim,John, and Tom My thoughts are with you today I share your sorrow today as
a great loss. Mary was a wonderful teacher and friend. I am a custodian that clean
her room when she taught computer and saw her in the halls when she would walk
at night with her bright smile, I talk to Mary a lot since I use to live in Glenwood, we
would talk about the Lakers when Tom when to school about sports and about what
was happening around Glenwood. I will keep you all in my prayers as Mary is in the
great place now with a person of the highest power. Joyce Dobmeier who was her
current custodian in the 2nd grade, would also like to say that her thoughts are with
you all. Mary will be missed my all. God Bless you all and we are think'n about all of
you at this time. Charlie and Joyce custodians at Melrose Public Schools
Charlie Bjorklund - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
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My most sincere sympathy to Richard, Pearl, Mark and Jim and your families. You
are in my prayers and thoughts. I am blessed to have been a small part of Mary's
childhood and have precious memories of her and you. God Bless you all.
Sherri (Oltmanns) Carrigan - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
McMahon Family,
I want you to know that you are in my prayers. You Have been like family to me for a
very long time. John if you ever need anything I am here for you. God bless you all.
Nathan
Nathan Stoen - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
I am sorry to here of your loss
My prayers are with you
Brad Backman - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
To you, the men in Mary's life that she was so proud of...... We are so saddened by
the news of Mary's death. She has left a large whole in your hearts that only time will
heal and fill. We are sending prayers your way - and feeling helpless to provide any
good message to lessen your sadness. Sharon and Becky
Sharon & Becky Nelson - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
I echo the sentiments of the many friends and relatives who have already spoken of
their shock in Mary's untimely passing and of their love for her. My thoughts have
been in MN for the past few days and this morning during the service time. Please
add my condolences to those already received. To say Mary was special is trite and
not enough. She was a shining example of a outstanding daughter, wife, mother,
sister, teacher, friend, niece, cousin and whatever other titles I may be forgetting at
this time. We'll always treasure having had Mary as a part of our family even though
it was for far too short a time. Blessings to brother Richard, Pearl, Jim, John, Tom
and all who grieve her passing.
Ron Oltmanns - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
To the family of Mrs. McMahon: We are so sorry for your loss. Mrs. McMahon was
such a wonderful teacher. I really enjoyed the school year with her. She was more
than a teacher to us, she was like another mom. We enjoyed the times on the field
trips with her also. Her genuine caring for the children really showed through. May
God keep you in his arms Mrs. McMahon.
Stephanie Boecker - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Dear Family:
I am a very old friend, used to be your neighbor, Jim. Those were the good old days,
just running across the highway to play with the McMahon family.
I'm SO VERY SORRY to hear of this trajedy and will keep you in my prayers. Always
remember that the love you shared will give you the strength you will need to carry
on without your dear mother and wife.
My thoughts and prayers to everyone.
Deb Boelke Melara
Deborah Boelke Melara - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
So sorry to hear of your loss. We pray God will lift you up and guide you through the
days to come. We love you all and we eagerly wait the day when we will all be
reunited for a grand family reunion in heaven!! We wish we had more time to be with
all of our family and were so blessed by being with all of you this summer.
Lonny, Denise, Lance Oltmanns - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Our love and sympathy to Jim and the boys on this tragic loss. Mary was a wonderful
friend, mother and wife. Many fun evenings with circle and baking for the Harvest
Festival in the church kitchen. Many great Christmas parties and scout memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kim and Chris Gugisberg - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
Words can not express the true friend that Mary was to me. I have so many
wonderful memories of Mary that I will cherish forever; the travels we had together
exploring Europe, being roommates, the trip we took out west after college
graduation, the girls weekends. Together we shared the ups and downs of our lives. I
will always remember hearing about and sharing the excitement of the many happy
events in Mary's life, meeting and marrying Jim and the life they had built together,
the birth and lives of John and Tom, how proud she was of their many
accomplishments. She often shared of wonder times with her family, with her
parents, her brother and his family. We learned of the many dear friends from
Glenwood and school.
My son starts college this year and my wish for him is that he too will find a friend like
Mary. She supported me, encouraged me and has been a friend to me from the day
we met back at St Cloud State. I keep finding her touch in my daily life, an
unexpected photo, a note tucked away and I know she is with us in spirit. Mary will
live forever in my heart.
Deb Cichanski
Debra Cichanski - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
“
To Jim and boys,
Your Mary seems to have been loved and cared about by many people. No words
can help heal the pain you are in but just know that our thoughts and prayers are
with you and your family. I'm sure Mary is watching over you from heaven.
September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM
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jim,lenore and phil...........i am so sorry to read about mary. my thoughts and prayers
are with you.
irene sincleair - September 05, 2009 at 12:00 AM