Mary Sterud

Mary Ellen (Austin) Sterud, 63, went home to be with the Lord on December 1, 2010 suddenly at her daughter’s home in Pipestone, MN.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM Monday, December 6, 2010 at First Lutheran Church in Colton, SD.

Visitation with the family present will be Sunday from 1:00 to 3:30 PM with a prayer service at 2:00 PM at the church.

Mary was born November 10, 1947 in Sioux Falls, SD to Gordon and Clara (Kock) Austin. Mary grew up in rural Dell Rapids, then married Robert Sterud at First Lutheran Church in Colton on April 9, 1965 and later divorced. They shared four beautiful children, Michelle (Bill) Alfson and their children, Ryan (Abby), Nathan and Brandan, Pipestone, MN; Jaci (Jason) VanDenTop and their children, Anthony, Alyssa, Derek and Cecelia, Canton, SD; Jenelle (Jeff) Sehr and their children, Nicholas and Jordan, Canton, SD; and Scott (Marit) Sterud, Pipestone, MN.

Mary enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, cooking with and for family and friends (popcorn balls, chex mix, caramel puff popcorn and cheese balls), going to GA meetings, caring for her mother, playing cards, being active in the church and her faith, watching movies, spending time outside enjoying the fresh air, mowing the lawn, reading and snuggling on the couch. Mary was committed to the 12 step program of GA and loved butterflies that signified new beginnings. Mary was currently working at Colton City Hall and was an active member of the church council. Along with devoting her life to God, she was a dedicated mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Mary is also survived by siblings, Cherie (Loren) Nelson, St. George, UT; Eilene (William) Johnston, Bemidji, MN; Butch (Linda) Austin, Colton, SD; sister-in-law, Kathy Austin, Mears, MI and special sister, Bev Nelson, Canton, SD.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Elvin Austin.