From the entire team at Quiet Oaks, we send our thoughts and prayers and lift you all up with sympathy. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of Mary Kay’s journey. She was truly a special lady.
Mary Kay Wagner
October 27, 1939 – July 1, 2025
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Mary Kay Wagner, age 85, of St. Cloud, who passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Cherrywood Advanced Living South in St. Cloud. Reverend Jeremy Ploof will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Assumption Cemetery Columbarium in St. Cloud. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud.
Born Oct 27, 1939 to Arthur and Helen (Linser) Undlin in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Attended Alexandria Public Schools (District 206) until graduation in 1957. Attended Northwestern Hospital school of Nursing in Minneapolis, MN, graduating as an RN in 1960.
Married high school sweetheart Gordon Wagner one week after graduating as a nurse and began working at the St. Cloud hospital immediately after. Was employed at SCH for 3 years, until first child was born, Julie Marie in 1963. Three sons followed; Tom ‘65, Ted ‘68, Jon ‘72 and I was a stay-at-home mom, a role I loved.
In 1980, at 40 years of age, I went back to nursing, after taking a refresher course. Nursing was another role that I loved. I was employed by SCH Family Birthing Center for 24 years. I was privileged to share the birthing experience with so many families.
I had many hobbies: Music – I sang in the church choir and played piano. Art – I took a class of watercolor painting after retirement in 2004 and promptly became hooked. Quilting and sewing, crafts and handiwork, knitting, crocheting, reading, book club, writing poetry, scrapbooking and photography, golfing and swimming and bridge, cross-country skiing.
I loved playing games, board games or dice and especially bridge. I played in two bridge clubs, one of which I headed up for over 50 years. I enjoyed golf and participated in leagues and tournaments throughout Minnesota.
In 1997 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The disease progressed quite slowly and with medication and exercise I was able to function quite well for many years. But one by one, I was obliged to give up almost all of my activities. Both Gordy and I were active in the Parkinson’s Support Group from where we learned and shared PD-isms plus gained much support. Additional 2005 knee orthopedic issues severely limited my mobility, putting me in the wheelchair and I did not do transfers easily. I also had a stroke in 2023 that greatly affected my speech and further limited my mobility. Gordy was my faithful care giver. He organized my life management routine to help me cope with the declining health. I was so fortunate to have such a loving family, blessed with four children and wonderful caring friends. I thank you for your love and support. My ten grandchildren and one great grandchild are the delight of my life!
Mary Kay is survived by her loving husband, Gordon; children, Julie (Robert) Ruzynski, Thomas (Tara), Theodore (Joan), and Jonathan (Tina); grandchildren, Kathryn Ruzynski Rusch and Samuel Ruzynski, Claire Wagner, Margaret Wagner and Lacianne Wagner; Lydia Wagner and Leo Wagner; Anne Wagner Dickson, Emily Wagner and Nathan Wagner; great granddaughter, Emmalyn Rusch and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A special thank you to the staff of Struthers Parkinson’s Clinic, CentraCare Homecare, Home for the Day, St. Croix Hospice, Quiet Oaks Hospice House and Cherrywood Advanced Living South for their loving and compassionate care to Mary Kay. A special thank you also to Mary Kay’s personal caretakers, Amy Bergeron, Marie Kigin, Christine Bastien, Katie Hlavac, Mary K. Sanders and Missy Malikowski for their dedication, support and care provided to Mary Kay over the years.
In lieu of flowers, please direct Memorials to: CentraCare Health, St. Cloud Library, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Catholic Charities, St. Cloud Salvation Army, Homeless Helping Homeless, ELEVATE Pregnancy and Family Resource Center, Parkinson’s Foundation MN or your favorite charity.
Guestbook
I’ve never met anyone like Mary Kay Wagner. She was a strong woman with a profound force of life and intention. She
had so many loves and interests; each one pursued with gusto. Her achieved performance was at top level. First and
foremost, she loved her children and grands. She left her cherished career in OB
nursing to be an amazing mom, then
returned to positively impact the lives of
new moms and their families. She loved
music, was a great pianist, and sung with
full throat, like a bird at the highest treetop.
She loved cooking, crafts, water color
painting; was an avid golfer, cross country
skier, and photographer. She loved nature
especially flowers and birds. During her wheelchair mobility times, this was a shared adventure. Parkinson’s disease
unmercifully dismantled many elements of Mary Kay’s skills, but never denied her will to to keep moving and trying. Mary Kay gave everything she had. She was a good friend to many. I was fortunate to be
considered one, as her caregiver. Mary Kay will be close in heart and memory. My gratitude and condolences to Gordy and all Mary Kay’s beloved family.
always be a source of inspiration in my memory to continue to love and not give up to all the things that might want to hold you down. Thank you Mary Kay. To Gordy and beloved children and grands, my heart goes out to you. I hope our memories of your mom keep her close and connected to what and whom you love.
I was so hoping to be there to celebrate the life of Mary Kay, because there was ALOT to celebrate! I first go to know her as my Girl Scout Leader. What fun we had! Then we spent many years at Wapicada together. She was even there to help after the delivery of my first born
And gave AMAZING advice! Hugs to all of your family as you celebrate a life well lived, but that leaves a hole that can’t be filled. Prayers for peace and comfort! 🙏🏼💔🙏🏼
Tom- I would love to catch up with you sometime! Hope life is treating you well!
While it has been many years since we moved away from St. Cloud, we both remember our friendship with both Mary Kay and Gordy with special fondness. I loved Mary Kay’s life attitudes and frank way of speaking and looking at life. The last time I saw her she was well into her journey through Parkinson’s but that did not stop her from entering into conversations and making sure we knew what she was doing and thinking. Mary Kay will always have a very special place in my memory and my heart.
My condolences to Gordy (Mr.), Julie and families. MaryKay was such a kind, patient soul. I worked the night shift in Labor and Delivery. She also cared for me when my youngest was born ( 2001) Blessed be her memory!🥰
Services
Schedule Details
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Mary K. Wagner, age 85, of St. Cloud, who passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Cherrywood Advanced Living South in St. Cloud. Reverend Jeremy Ploof will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Assumption Cemetery Columbarium in St. Cloud. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud.