Mary Margaret Anderson, age 88, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 13, 2025, in Brainerd, Minnesota. Mary was born February 21, 1937, in Camp Crook, South Dakota, the daughter of Geroge Washington and Margaret (Otilde) Anderson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Mary had a very interesting life. As a young child, she moved to Madagascar, where her father and mother were missionaries for the Lutheran Church. Mary's mother, Margaret contracted tuberculosis in Africa, and Mary returned to American with her parents and brother, Mark to place her mom in a Sanitorium. The Atlantic crossing back to New York during war-time chaos provided fascinating stories for Mary. When Stateside, Mary was sent to a ranch in Montana to be raised by family as her father was unable to provide care for both Mary and Mark. After being raised in Montana by her extended family, Mary started her high education at St. Olaf College in Northfield. She focused on art and music. She was able to travel with the St. Olaf Choir to Iceland and Greenland and was known for her beautiful voice. She also developed her skills as an artist, working in oils, pastels and charcoal.

It was in college that she met her future husband, Marlin James Wiemer who was preparing for his role as a Lutheran Minister. Mary and Marlin were married and had three sons: Karl James, Paul Nathan and Michael David between. In 1969, May and Marlin separated, and Mary returned to college, and pursued a career in Journalism and Commercial Art as she raised her three sons as a single parent. For 18 years, Mary worked as a Commercial Artist for Hennepin County before transitioning to the Star Tribune where she worked for another 15 years leading up to retirement.

Mary lived in a beautiful Victorian, turn-of-the-century home in South Minneapolis, near the Rose Gardens until her progressive heart issues prevented her from living alone. Mary moved to Brainerd in January of 2019 to be near family as her health and mobility declined. Mary progressed to assisted living in 2023 and eventually entered hospice care prior to her death.

Mary was passionate about her piano and choral music. She raised her sons to be responsible, well-educated young men. Mary was an extremely dedicated parent; she cultivated our growth and interests. She loved her cats and always had pets in her home.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George (1984) and Margaret Anderson (1987); son, Karl James Wiemer (1960-2014); brother, Mark Anderson (2022); and, of special note, her ex-husband whom she separated from in 1969 and lived apart from for over 57 years, passed away within just days of one another. Marlin died on October 9, 2025.

Mary is survived by two sons, Paul (Holly Ann Edwards) Nathan Wiemer (63) and Michael (Deborah) David Wiemer (60). She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Ingrid and Erik Wiemer (children of Karl) and Serena Gregerson-Wiemer and Amanda Wiemer (children of Paul). There are also great-grandchildren: Isack Gregerson-Wiemer and Nathan Balsimo (children of Serena), Andrea and Alex, Lilly, Mischa and Anthony (children of Amanda); and her great-great-grandchild she was able to meet this past year: Leandro Gregerson-Wiemer (son of Isack Gregerson-Wiemer). Mary will also be missed and remembered by her sister-in-law, Mary Layle Chi and daughters, Danielle, Tonja and Renee of California.

Mary will also be remembered in love and deeply missed by all who knew her. She lived an amazing life and completed her journey as a story well written. This story will live on in the hearts and spirits of those who carry these memories with them. We will remember Mary Margaret Anderson.