Mary E. Alsleben

Obituary

Mary Elaine Alsleben was born on May 21, 1925, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of twelve children to Charles Edgar and Mary Rose (McNellis) Putney. Mary was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth both at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. She received her education in Hutchinson, and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1943.

On November 27, 1943, Mary was united in marriage to Melvin Gustav Alsleben at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Diane. Mary and Melvin resided in Hutchinson and shared 42 years of marriage.

Mary was employed in the office at 3M on March 12, 1947, in Hutchinson and continued for over 40 years. She developed many lasting friendships through the years there, especially with Sumiko (Pete) Nelson, who she helped adjust to living in Hutchinson from Japan. She retired from there in 1987.

Mary was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Mary enjoyed bowling, bird watching, reading, watching car racing, and crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed volunteering at the local library, McLeod County Historical Society, and 3M functions. Mary spent many summers at the cabin on Spirit Lake in Okoboji.

When Mary needed assistance with her care, she became a resident at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson on October 18, 2018. She passed away there on Monday, June 8, 2020, at the age of 95 years. Blessed be her memory.

Mary is survived by her:
Daughter, Diane Arends and her husband, David, of Brandon, SD;
Grandson, Brian Arends and his wife, Kimberly, of Luverne, MN;
Great-Grandchildren, Cooper Arends and Tyler Arends;
Sister, Faye Prieve of Dassel, MN;
Brother, Donald Putney and his wife, Darlene, of Litchfield, MN;
Sisters-In-Law, Shirley Burmeister of Hutchinson, MN,
Beverly Alsleben of Hutchinson, MN,
Elsie Alsleben of Hutchinson, MN,
Dorothy Alsleben of Hutchinson, MN,
Elnora Putney of Detroit Lakes, MN,
Rosie Putney of Bismarck, ND;
Many Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her Parents, Charles and Mary Putney; Husband, Melvin Alsleben; Siblings, Wally (Marilyn) Putney, Norman (Margie) Putney, Russell (Darlene) Putney, Robert Putney, Wayne (Juanita) Putney, Roger (Marie) Putney, Jack Putney, Dorothy (Sam) Stafne, and Lucy (Richard) Smykalski; Sister-in-law, Rosella Hanson and her husband, Vernon; Brothers-in-law, Roy Alsleben, Ivan Alsleben, Earl Alsleben, Melvin Burmeister, Sam Prieve, William Sandman.