Mary Ann Kreger

Mary Ann Kreger of Green Isle, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 19,
2026, at French Meadows in Le Sueur, MN, at the age of 93. She lived a life defined by kindness,
strength, and unwavering love for her family and friends.
Mary Ann was born on May 23, 1932, in Glencoe, Minnesota, to Lorenz and Jeanetta (Janke) Meyer.
She graduated from Arlington High School and continued her education at the Minnesota School of
Business. Following her graduation, she worked as a secretary at Gamble-Skogmo in Minneapolis.
Mary Ann met her husband, Jim, early in life. They were neighbors, rode the school bus together, and
were involved in 4-H and other activities. When asked how they met, she would say, “I don’t know, we
always just knew each other.” It has been said that Jim would walk across the field just to see her. Mary
Ann and Jim were united in marriage in 1951. In 1952, they moved to her parents’ farm, which they
later purchased and farmed together. They were blessed with five children and shared 71 years of
marriage until his passing.
Family was always Mary Ann’s greatest joy and priority. She would drop anything to spend time with
them, offer help, or provide support, and she rarely missed any events her children or grandchildren
were involved in. Mary Ann loved crafting and had remarkable talent and creativity, able to create just
about anything she imagined or set her mind to. She also took great pride in her flower and vegetable
gardens, which she and Jim tended with care and dedication. Her gardens were always full of life and
color, and she was especially admired for her canned goods, particularly her pickles and green beans.
She also enjoyed her card club, coffee outings with her church friends, attending community events,
and traveling.
Mary Ann was a longtime member of St. Brendan’s Catholic Church, where she served as secretary for
19 years. Her faith and her church were very important to her. She dedicated her time to decorating the
church, serving in the CCW, and supporting numerous parish events. In addition, she shared her skills
and passion as a 4-H leader, teaching many young people how to sew.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth (Joe) Schwirtz; 12 grandchildren: Jeff, Matt, Lisa; Josh,
Jake, Nichole; Kaili, Jesse, Courtney; Annie; Jeni; and Melissa; 14 great-grandchildren; son-in-law Joe
Williams; and sisters-in-law Joan Kreger, Geraldine (Paul) Conser, and Mary (Richard) Caudle.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her sons, Steve and Mike; her daughters, Michele
and Sue; and her parents, Lorenz and Jeanetta Meyer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Brendan’s
Catholic Church in Green Isle, with Fr. Chris Shofner presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to
the service at the church. Interment will follow at St. Brendan’s Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will be
served after the burial at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Green Isle.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at French Meadows for their attentive
and compassionate care.