Mary Fenstad

Mary E. (Reed) Fenstad, 80, Little Marais, died Monday, January 13, 2020 at Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation.

Mary was born February 27, 1939 to Guy and Lucille (Cox) Reed on the family farm in rural New Auburn, Wisconsin.  As a young girl, she attended a one room school before graduating from New Auburn High School in 1957.  Mary continued her education at Miller Hospital Vocational School of Practical Nursing in Minneapolis, obtaining her LPN degree in 1959.  Later that year, Mary married Blaine Fenstad and together they made their home in Bergland, Michigan then Kenton, Michigan following Blaine’s work.  In 1968, they moved to Little Marais to take over Blaine’s family’s business, Fenstad’s Resort.  Mary was active at the resort until her death.

Mary was a member of the United Protestant Church, teaching Sunday School for many years and working with the prayer shawl ministry.

She enjoyed time with her grandchildren, quilting, sewing, knitting, and board games with her brothers and sisters.  Mary was known as an excellent cook and seamstress.  In her younger years, she enjoyed hiking and later in life loved vacations to Florida during the winter months.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Blaine; and siblings John H. Reed, Elizabeth B. Reed, Willard G. Reed, and Donna Reed Morris.

She is survived by her children, Paula, David, Mark (Susanna) and Darrel; grandchildren, Megan, Leah, and Zachary; siblings Robert L. Reed, Floyd N. Reed, Janis Reed Dais, and Paul A. Reed; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary’s family would like to thank the staff of Chris Jensen Home for their care of Mary in her last weeks.

Memorials are preferred to the American Red Cross or the United Protestant Church.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM service on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the United Protestant Church in Silver Bay.