Mary Zarnott

Obituary

Mary Jane Kathrine (Selle) Zarnott was born on November 29, 1929, in Fork Township, Marshall County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Ernie and Connie (Hill) Selle and Foster Child of Art and Marie Dittmer. Mary was baptized as an infant on June 24, 1930, in Argyle, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on May 16, 1943, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Helen Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. She received her education in Glencoe, Minnesota.

On January 20, 1945, Mary was united in marriage to Willard Zarnott at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Helen Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Transit Township. This union was blessed with six children. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Mary and Willard shared 74 years of marriage when Willard passed away on December 8, 2018.

Mary was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gaylord and served as a council member, area council member, Sunday School teacher, member of the Altar Guild and housekeeping. She served many years as a driver and coordinator for Meals on Wheels.

Mary loved to be with her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She greatly enjoyed her Tuesday morning friends and her bowling team. Family and friends treasured her needle work and she loved to ride her yellow bicycle. She smiled when she won at cards, which she always did. Mary loved to go out to eat, and enjoyed baking. She made the best cookies and pies. Mary loved gardening, roses and flowers.

Mary passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, surrounded by her family at her home in Gaylord at the age of 95 years. Blessed be her memory.

Mary is survived by her:
Children,          Judy Jayne of Palm Springs, CA,
                         Wayne Zarnott and his wife, Marilyn of Willmar, MN,
                         Sharon Zarnott and her husband, John Cook of Eden Prairie, MN, and
                         Michael Zarnott and his wife, Jill Crisman of Bolingbrook, IL;
Son-in-law, Sam McNellis of Glencoe, MN;
8 Grandchildren, Matthew Zarnott, Jennifer Zarnott, Jeff Muchow, Jess Wibstad, Ben Wibstad, Mason Wibstad, Erin McNellis and Ian Zarnott;
8 Great-grandchildren, Branton Wibstad, Tyler Wibstad, Grahm Wibstad, Adam Wibstad, Jack Wibstad, Dylan Wibstad, Cameron Wibstad, Ethan Wibstad;
Sister, Carol Grosfield;
Sister-in-law, Ruby Streich;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her Parents, Ernie and Connie Selle; Foster Parents, Art and Marie Dittmer; Husband, Willard Zarnott; Daughter, Julie McNellis; Son, Warren Zarnott; Granddaughter, Catherine Zarnott; Son-in-law, Jerry Jayne; Sisters, Lois Ziegler and Vera Teetzel; Sister-in-law, Pearl Streu and her husband, Raymond; Brother-in-law, Herb Streich.