Mary J. Claeys

Mary Claeys, age 71, of Garden City, passed away peacefully with family around her on August 24, 2025.

A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at 4:00 p.m , September 19, 2025, at Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will take place from 2:00-4:30 p.m. prior to the service.

Mary, the fourth of nine children, was born on March 21, 1954, to Joseph E. and Carol J. (Nelson) Claeys in Minneota, MN where she grew up working on the family farm. She attended and graduated from St. Mary’s School in Minneota. Mary devoted more than 45 years of her career with the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Department in Civil Process, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.

Outside of work, Mary’s greatest joy came from her furry family (Toots, Bonnie and Cobra) in addition to her grandchildren, especially Caleb who relentlessly cared for her. She loved bowling and the outdoors, playing softball, fishing, caring for her animals, bird watching and spending time at family gatherings and reunions. Always the life of the party, Mary had a gift for telling jokes, sometimes offensive making her own mother blush, but enjoyed making those around her laugh. She loved music and would boldly sing to just about anything. She lived life on her own terms, with humor, love, and resilience.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Christa (Mark) Wolner of Mankato; grandchildren, Caleb Haala, Cori Haala, and Ryan Wolner; step-grandchildren, Sierra (Tanner) Weaver and Jordan (Kelsey) Wolner; siblings, Jeanne Marie Johnson of Minneota, Debby Harrington of Elbert, CO, Thomas (Traci L’Heureux) Claeys of Kiowa, CO, Jon (Laurie) Claeys of Faribault, Robert (Sandi aka Baby) Claeys of Kiowa, CO, Caryn Rice (Geoff Leicester) of Lakewood, CO, and Katie Lachmiller of Lake Crystal; sister-in-law, Ann Claeys; along with many nieces, nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Charles Lundgren; sister, Joey Claeys; brother-in-law, Ardell Johnson; and special friend, Kenneth Evans.

Mary will be remembered for her laughter, her stubbornness, and the love she shared so generously with family and friends.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.