Service Information
Mary B. Karl, age 75, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Ecumen Pines in Hutchinson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, February 12, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson, with interment in the church cemetery.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Parish Prayers and Rosary will begin at 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday. Gathering of Family and Friends will continue one hour prior to Mass at the church on Thursday.
Obituary
Mary Beth Karl was born on August 13, 1950, in Benson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of James and Elizabeth “Bette” (Mihm) Puchalski. Mary was baptized as an infant on August 18, 1950, in Benson, and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on June 14, 1964 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector, Minnesota. She received her education in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Buffalo Lake High School Class of 1968.
On April 4, 1970, Mary was united in marriage to Bruce Karl at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector. This marriage was blessed with four children, Bradley, Christopher, Mandy, and Kimberly. Mary and Bruce resided in Boon Lake Township, Renville County, Minnesota. They shared 47 years of marriage until Bruce’s passing on November 3, 2017.
Mary enjoyed her time working in the pull tab booths at Flyers and Main Street in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She mostly enjoyed talking with the patrons. Mary was a member of the Young Farmers Association along with her husband, Bruce. She was also a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. Mary enjoyed many creative activities, including pottery and ceramics, card parties, and making greeting cards. She especially enjoyed crafting fleece blankets, where she found passion in cutting and tying her blankets while she worked at JoAnn Fabrics until her retirement. Mary was well known for her homemade schnapps and her specialty Grasshopper pie. She would often prepare two pans for family gatherings and pretend she forgot to bring it. Mary also found joy in gardening and canning, especially salsa and sweet corn, and generously shared what she made with others. She enjoyed bowling and attended National Bowling Tournaments. Mary cherished time spent with her grandsons, creating blanket and pillow forts with Aaron and Tyler, and watching James and Bruce play at the apple orchard. She valued time with her sisters, particularly on their special weekends, and was often the one to bring the games. Mary had a love for sunsets and was known for remembering and singing song lyrics off the top of her head, and making everyone laugh with quips like, “I’m a poet and didn’t know it.”
Mary passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Ecumen Pines in Hutchinson, at the age of 75 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Mary is survived by her:
Son, Bradley Karl and his wife, Kristine, of Hutchinson, MN;
Daughters, Mandy Karl of Mankato, MN,
Kimberly Wilking of Silver Lake, MN;
Grandsons, Aaron (Mckenzie) Karl, Tyler (Erica) Karl, James Wilking, and Bruce Wilking;
Brothers, Larry Puchalski of Hutchinson, MN,
Mike Puchalski and his wife, Laura of Bird Island, MN,
Tim Puchalski and his wife, Deanna of Hutchinson, MN,
Corey Puchalski and his wife, Susan of Richfield, MN;
Sisters, Jeanne Kadelbach of Buffalo Lake, MN,
Terry Nelson of Fairfax, MN,
Kathy Bengston of Spicer, MN,
Dana Hillesheim and her husband, Robert, of Buffalo Lake, MN;
Many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Mary is preceded in death by her Parents, James and Elizabeth Puchalski; Husband, Bruce Karl; Son, Christopher Karl; and Sister, Roberta Hirschel.
Lois Roepke says
Very sorry to hear this. She was a wonderful lady. Prayers go out to the family.
Tracy Knight says
My heart breaks for her family. Mary was such a sweet, loving, full of laughter lady. Im so blessed that I got to have her in my life.
Donald Clasemann says
We are so sorry to hear this. Our heart-felt sympathies go out to the family.
Lee and Maureen Johnson says
So very sorry to hear on Mary’s passing. Lee and I sending our thoughts and prayers to all of the family.
Mary Hoffman says
She was such a sweet lady. Sympathy to her family
Jim and Monica Heil says
Hugs and prayers from the Heil family, many memories and good times were had with your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim and Monica and family
Kathy Uecker says
My sympathy to Mary’s family. She was a wonderful lady. I enjoyed talking to her when she worked at JoAnn Fabrics. She will be missed.
Kathy Stueber says
Mary was one of kind! Had Many years of great times and trips together.
Ann Zivchovich says
My deepest sympathies!! Always had a smile
Karen Raske says
My sympathy to Mary’s family. We used to have such nice chats when we would see each other. God’s peace.
Maureen Ullian says
I am so sorry to hear that Mary passed away. I use to visit her when my dad would help Mr Puchalski at his bakery in Buffalo Lake. I was able to reconnect with Mary when she worked at JoAnn Fabrics. Please accept my sympathies to Mary’s entire family.
Gayle Desl says
Sympathies to Mary’s families.
Chanda Williams says
Sending our sympathies to Mary’s family. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories of her.
Troy Kurth says
My deepest condolences to you and your family for Mary’s passing. May God bless you during this time of trouble. My prayers are with you
Karen Hoffmann says
Sending prayers and my sympathy to Mary’s family. She was a wonderful lady. Many memorable times with Mary and Bruce in the years past.
Cherish all the wonderful memories and hold them close to your hearts. May God Bless all of you and her memory. Love, hugs and prayers for all.
Karen Hoffmann
Connie Hogan Connie Hogan says
My heart goes out to Mary’s family. She always went out of her way to talk with me when she worked at Joanns.
She will be missed by many.
Lynette Rosenau says
To Mary’s family ;
I was so sad to hear of Mary’s passing . I graduated with Mary from Buffalo Lake High School . We were good friends thru high school , and the fact that her dad owned the Buffalo Lake Home Bakery was an added bonus . Later I always enjoyed visiting with her at JoAnn fabrics , and would see her at craft shows , with her tied fleece blankets that she enjoyed making , she was so proud of them , and she did a wonderful job creating them . We visited at our class reunions , and always had fun reminiscing about our high school days . She was so proud of her kids and grandkids , always had fun spending time with them . She will be missed , she had a great smile that I will always remember . May she rest in peace , and your precious memories of Mary bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead .
Carolyn Kurth says
First time meeting Mary was our trip to Hawaii. Rodney, Mary and I would take off sightseeing and had a lot of fun and laughs; meanwhile Bruce made friends and enjoyed playing cards. I loved Marys’ beautiful smile and am so sad I did not get to say goodbye.
RIP my Honolulu friend.
Joan and Steve Roepke says
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I graduated with Mary and we were good friends in school. Shared many good times with Mary. Enjoyed seeing her at JoAnns Fabric whenever I was back in Hutchinson. She will be missed by many. Hugs and prayers for her family
Twyla Waller says
Our deepest sympathy to all. Always enjoyed chatting with Mary at JoAnns!! Blessed be her memory!
Twyla & Chuck
Brenda Hall says
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Mary. I have many fond memories of riding in the car with Mary driving up and down Main Street of Buffalo Lake with the song blaring “Wake up little Susie” by the Everly Brothers. Treasure all the beautiful memories. Rest in peace now Mary. Your family is in my prayers.
Blessings,
Brenda Hall