October 29, 1919 - May 19, 2022
Mary Lauwagie Ryan, age 102, of Bloomington, passed away on May 19, 2022.
Born October 29, 1919 in Fairfax MN. to Frank and Octave Lauwagie, Belgian immigrants, who preceded her in death as did her husband of 54 years, Joseph; sisters, Alice Stippel, Rose Schwab, Agnes Schiltz; and brothers Harland, Harry, and Stanley Lauwagie.
After graduating from high school and business school, Mary worked at Gamble-Skogmo until her marriage to Joseph Ryan of Emmetsburg, IA, Oct. 29, 1941. They resided in IA following their marriage. Shortly thereafter Joseph was called to military duty.
A daughter, Mary Joe, was born in 1942. Mary worked as a secretary in the Palo Alto County Rationing Office for three of the war years. After the war, a son, John, was born in 1946.
Several years later the family moved to Omaha, NE for a short term. Mary worked at strategic air command then transferred to Minneapolis, where both Joseph and Mary were offered government jobs. Mary worked as an executive secretary with the Air Force CAP for 30 plus years and retired in 1982. Both Mary and Joe divided time at their MPLS homes and lake cottage in Ottertail County.
She was an avid bridge player and traveled extensively, widely known for her pleasing personality and generosity.
Survived by her daughter, Mary Joe of Florida; son, John, his wife Phyl, and extended family in VA; seven grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Shirley Lauwagie of Gibbon, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Grace Hospice (1015 4th Avenue North, Suite 206, Minneapolis, MN 55405).
Funeral Service
Friday, June 3, 2022
10:30 AM
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
6725 Nicollet Avenue
Richfield, MN 55423
Visitation
Friday, June 3, 2022
9:30-10:30 AM
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
6725 Nicollet Avenue
Richfield, MN 55423
Rest in peace Mary, rest in peace. So sorry we cannot be there. John,Phyl and family.
In name of the worldwide LAUWAGIE- LOUWAGIE – LOUAGIE- LOUAGE – ……. Family, I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Mary LAUWAGIE RYAN.
Renaud Louwagie
Belgium
Our sympathy to the family of Aunt Mary. We did not see her often but when we did, it was always an enjoyable conversation. Rest in peace Mary as you join the rest of the Lauwagie siblings that includes my father, Harry, who was the first to go 40 years ago.