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   Mary Em (Howser) Lundgren, age 94, of Longville, MN, passed away peacefully in Arden Hills, MN, on July 13, 2023.

   Mary Em was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Ruth Howser, husband Jacob Lundgren, and half-sisters Kathryn (Hugo) Miller and Amy (Edwin) Losby.

   She is survived by daughters Jan Marie Lundgren, Judy (Rod) Reynolds, Nancy (Todd) Reed, and Kris (Barry) Henriksen; grandchildren Andrea Rickards, Jim (Stacy) Reynolds, Jake (Julia) Henriksen and Alec Henriksen; two great-grandchildren.

   Mary Em was born and raised in Appleton, WI. She began spending summers in the Longville area after her parents bought property on Wabedo and Little Boy Lakes. While attending dances and Town Ball baseball games in the area, she met Longville HS graduate Jacob “Jack” Lundgren. He wooed Mary Em on the dance floor following his return from Army service in WWII, and they were married at Louis and Ruth Howser’s retirement home on Little Boy Lake in 1948. With Mary Em as designer and business manager and Jack as contractor, they designed, built, and sold dozens of excellent quality custom single-family homes in the Twin Cities metro area. She was skilled in sewing and needle crafts as well as finding creative and tasty ways to cook Jack’s fish, fowl, and game. They raised four daughters who each followed their own unique paths in community service. The last house they built was on Little Boy Lake in 1977, where they semi-retired with their youngest daughter, Kris. They enjoyed visits from and traveling to see family and friends. Mary Em cared for Jack as his health declined.  

   Mary Em was active in the Women’s Fellowship of the Longville Community Church and as a choir member and trustee. She also sang in the Longville Area Community Choir. Mary Em helped to grow the Margaret Welch Memorial Library and served on the Board for many years.  She also volunteered with the local food shelf. She had a lasting love for dogs and hummingbirds. Jack and Mary Em will now be together on their 75th Wedding Anniversary.

   Her life will be celebrated at the Longville Community Church Saturday, September 30, 1:00 p.m. The family suggests memorials be given to the Longville Library or Longville Food Shelf in Mary Em’s name. 

   Arrangements are being handled by: Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker  https://www.northernpeace.com/  Tel: 1-218-547-3323.

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