Mary Jeanne Hotzler (November 7, 1929 - March 3, 2018)

Mary Hotzler passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2018, at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 88 years, three months, and 24 days.

Mary Jeanne Hotzler, the daughter of George and Margaret (Peterson) Luikart, was born on November 7, 1929 in Lake City and baptized at Christ Episcopal Church in Frontenac. As a child, she attended Lake City Public Schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1948. After graduation, Mary attended the University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, graduating with a bachelor's degree in home economics in 1952. After graduating with her degree, Mary worked at Pine Island schools for one year before moving to Okabena in 1953 to teach home economics.

Mary was united in marriage to Robert Lyle (Bob) Hotzler on July 2, 1955 at the St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Lake City. After marriage, the couple made their home outside of Okabena on the family farm. Mary took a break from teaching in 1956 to focus on her family. She returned to teaching in 1966 for Brewster Public Schools, where she taught full time until 1991, when she semi-retired. She continued as a substitute and ECFE teacher until 1997, when she officially retired.

Mary and Robert continued to live near Okabena until Robert's passing in 2004. Mary moved off the

farm and into Lakefield, first into her own home, and then into Valley View Assisted Living.

She was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church, The American Legion Auxiliary Post #608 where she served as the President and Treasurer, and Alpha Delta Kappa, professional education sorority.

Mary loved sewing and gardening, she was an avid reader and cook, and loved spending time with her grandkids.  

Mary is survived by her sons -- Steve (Dave) Hotzler of Broomfield, Colorado, and Tom (Dawn) Hotzler of Lakefield, Minnesota; daughter, Susan (Phil) Kirk of Jackson, Minnesota; six grandchildren -- Wesley (Amanda) Hotzler, Mary Reimers, Amy Reimers and Doug Schellberg, Rebecca (Souk) Phaengkhouane, Joseph (Miranda) Washington, and Robert Washington; six great-grandchildren -- Austin Hotzler, Makayla Hotzler, Adriana Washington, Levi Hotzler, Josie Hotzler and Marques Washington; brothers -- David (Dee) Luikart, Plymouth, Minnesota, and Pete (Jackie) Luikart of Red Wing, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Warren (Elaine) Hotzler; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 48 years, Robert; brother, Fritz Luikart; and great-grandson, Aiden Hotzler; brothers-in-law, Ralph (Josephine) Hotzler and Harold (Lorena) Hotzler.

Interment: Lakeside Cemetery in Heron Lake, Minnesota.

Blessed be the memory of Mary Jeanne Hotzler.

Mary J. Hotzler (November 7, 1929 - March 3, 2018)

Mary J. Hotzler, 88, of Lakefield, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, March 3rd , 2018, at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Mary was a resident of Lakefield, Minnesota at the time of passing.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Lakefield, Minnesota, at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 8th, 2018, with Pastors Carolyn Doering and Kathy Brandt officiating.

There will be a private family burial held at a later date, in Lakeside Cemetery in Heron Lake, Minnesota.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 7th, 2018, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m . at the First United Methodist Church in Lakefield, Minnesota, and on Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church or to the Okabena Ladies Auxiliary.

- based on obituary published in the Lakefield Standard on March 6, 2018.