Mary Florence Brose

Mary Florence Brose, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and educator, passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on Friday, May 23, 2025, at The Pillars of Mankato. She was born on July 12, 1947, in New Ulm MN, to Linus Schramski and Vivian Macho.

Mary was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm, Minnesota. Her education began at Good Counsel Academy, where she graduated in 1965, followed by earning a BA, MA, and Sixth-Year Specialist Degree from Mankato State University in 1969. Mary’s career as an English teacher spanned 33 years, with positions at Brooklyn Center High School (6 years), St. Clair High School (1 year), Franklin Junior High, and Mankato East High School (26 years), where she retired in June 2005. She also shared her expertise as an adjunct faculty member at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

On March 31, 1977, Mary married Donald Brose, becoming a stepmother to his children, Jennifer, Timothy, and Jeffrey. On January 19, 1979, Mary and Don welcomed their daughter, Heidi Louise, completing their loving family.

Mary was the embodiment of kindness and patience, always offering a warm smile and a listening ear to those around her. She had a joyful spirit, finding laughter in the little moments and spreading that joy to others. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she was her family’s biggest cheerleader, never missing a game, or event where she could support them. Her love for reading led her to a cherished book club, where she found friendship and stories that enriched her soul. She also had a passion for shopping embracing the thrill of finding the perfect treasure. Above all, she was a source of unwavering support and love, touching the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Summers were often spent at the family cabin, where Mary cherished time on the water or the porch, making memories with multiple generations. She also had a deep love for travel, enjoying cruises through Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska with Don, a memorable trip to Paris with her sister Theresa, niece Anne, and daughter Heidi, and a magical family trip to Napa after her diagnosis.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Donald; daughter, Heidi (Robert) Ruedisili, and their daughter, Charlotte (Charley); sister, Theresa (George) Kruse and their children Anne (Joel) Wolf, and Andrew (Annie) Kruse; stepson, Jeff (Niki) Brose, and their children, Jorn and Cole (Ashlyn), as well as great-grandchildren Halle and Beau; stepdaughter, Jennifer Brose; stepson, Timothy; and cousin, Marie Guldan; stepsiblings, Marty Borak, and Julia Borak; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, John and Marie Macho; paternal grandparents, Leo and Florence Schramski; her parents, Vivian Schramski Borak and Linus Schramski; stepfather, Gilbert Borak; brother, Michael Schramski; nephew, Henry Schramski; and grandson, Kellyn Brose.

A Visitation will be held at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary on Thursday, May 29 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service will take place at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato on Friday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Don Brose MSU Hockey Scholarship Endowment (c/o MSU Foundation) or the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Mary’s life and legacy.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Pillars of Mankato for their exceptional care. A special thank you goes to Erin Johnson for her compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication to Mary’s well-being.

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