Mary Olstead, age 95, of Pine City, MN, formerly of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Pine Medical Center in Sandstone, MN.

Mary Ann Ebnet, the daughter of Paul and Catherine (Theisen) Ebnet, was born February 15, 1915 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was raised in Mahnomen and graduated from Mahnomen High School. As a young woman, Mary moved to the Twin Cities and began working at Gillette Hospital. She then worked for a time at the Defense Plant in New Brighton, MN, and for Brown & Bigelow in St. Paul, MN followed by a job with the Bergin Fruit and Nut Company. In 1946, Mary was united in marriage to Arvid Olstead in St. Paul, MN. While raising her children, Mary spent many years cooking and cleaning for the priests at St Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Minneapolis and was very active cooking etc for the Church festivals and bazaars. After her retirement in the early 1990's, she returned to Mahnomen. Due to failing health, in 2006 she moved to Ramsey, MN before making her home in Pine City until her death.
Mary was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen where she was dedicated to her faith. She enjoyed music, especially Olde Tyme, Daniel O'Donnell, and Lawrence Welk. Mary loved to relax and spend time with others – often playing cards, a game of Bingo, and regular trips to the casino. Dancing was a lifelong love of hers.

Mary is survived by two sons, Russell (Trish) of Spring Lake Park, MN, and Howard (Charyle) of Ramsey, MN; five daughters: Carole (Dan) Peck of Fridley, Rita (Mark) Kislenger of Pine City, MN, Barbara (Dan) Green of St. Francis, MN, Beverly (Elmer) Jirik Schoenborn of Mahnomen, and Wendy Provo of Princeton, MN; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Catherine; one son, Roger; six brothers: Adolph, William, Leo, Bernard, Paul, and Leander; five sisters: Elizabeth Riegert, Gertrude Riegert, Veronica Luebke, Adeline Futch, and Viola Ebnet; a grandson, Michael Pederson; a granddaughter, Theresa Pederson; and two sons-in-law, Dale Provo and William Jirik.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 2:00 pm at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, with Fr. Mario Prada officiating. Pianist was Brenda Sørensen with Bob Yanish as the song leader. Serving as pallbearers were Steve Pederson, David Peterson, Jason Peck, Daniel Jirik, Scott Olstead, and Matthew Green. Honorary Bearers were Paula Freer, Debra Pederson, Linda Granrose, Brian Peterson, Robert Peterson, Catherine Thompson, Cassandra Green, Jason Berve and Andrea Provo. Visitation was held at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home on Monday, March 15, 2010 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a prayer service and rosary at 6:30 pm.

Interment took place at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.