Memorial services for Mary C. Kron of Albert Lea will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday  at St. John’s Lutheran Chapel, 901 Luther Place in Albert Lea. The Rev. Don Malinsky will officiate. Private interment will be in Hayward Cemetery. Friends may visit with family one hour before services at St. John’s Lutheran Chapel.

Mary died on Sunday morning, Oct. 8, 2017, at St. John’s Lutheran Community. She was 80.

She was born on Oct. 14, 1936, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, the daughter of Benjamin J. and Etta (Ofstaas) Kron. She graduated from Albert Lea High School with the class of 1955. Mary had worked at Bell Telephone Co. for over 30 years, first as an operator and then in administration. In her retirement she worked at Herberger’s, Dave Syverson Ford and Fisher’s Jewelry.

A pioneer of sorts, Mary was Albert Lea’s first woman councilor, serving more than three terms. As a member of First Lutheran Church, where she had been baptized and confirmed, she enjoyed serving as a Sunday school teacher for several years.

In 1966, Mary participated in the women’s state bowling tournament, where she proudly claimed first in women’s singles. Mary loved to travel, and Europe and Mexico were among her favorite destinations.

She is survived by her sisters Barbara K. Varner of Hollandale and Lorraine K. Kuntz of Helena, Montana; nephews and niece Charles Varner of Hollandale, Steven Trim of Evanston, Illinois, and Gail Kuntz (Terry Wheeling) of Helena, Montana; great-nieces Christina (Lee) Holtberg and her sons, Zachary, Wyatt and Odin, Laura Varner and Maren Wheeling; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Krist Anderson, and his wife, Ernestine; sister, Helen Trim; brothers-in-law Cecil “Bud” Varner and Ray Kuntz; niece, Nancy Jo Varner; nephew, Daniel Varner; and great-nephew, Jacob Varner.

God bless her memory.

Memorials suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Home or First Lutheran Peace and Power.