Mary Julia (Strande) Vetscher

Mary Julia Vetscher

Age 83, of Lake Elmo, MN, passed away unexpectedly on May 23rd, 2026, at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, MN, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on February 27th, 1943, to Gaylord and Doris Strande in Taylor, Wisconsin.  Mary attended The Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis.  After obtaining her registered nurse (RN) license in 1964, Mary went to school at Luther College in Decorah, IA, where she earned a degree in nursing in 1965.

Following Luther College, Mary returned to Lutheran Deaconess Hospital to work as a nurse before eventually joining the Minneapolis Star and Tribune as the newspaper’s full-time nurse.  Mary also modeled in her spare time.  One night, Mary went on a blind date and met the love of her life.  Mary and John Vetscher were married for 38 years.  Together, they raised two sons, Tim and Tom.  After her nursing career, Mary helped grow her husband’s business, Vetscher Accounting, as the office manager.  She helped build many client relationships that still exist to this day.

Mary spent many years giving back, volunteering her time first at the Church of Saint Mark and then at Saint Thomas Academy.  At STA, Mary served as President of the Mothers’ Club and Chair of the STA Auction. 

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Gaylord and Doris, and husband, Jack.  She is survived by sons Tim (Amie) and Tom (Erin) as well as her four grandchildren, whom she adored, Andrew, Daniel, Evelyn, and Oliver. Mary is also survived by her brother, Bob (Mary), and many loving nieces and nephews.  She also maintained lifelong friendships, including the ladies in her book club which just wrapped up its 40th year!

Mass of Christian Burial Thursday June 18th 11 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church 1079 Summit Ave., St. Paul.  Visitation begins at 9 am.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Mary’s name to Saint Thomas Academy, Gift of Adoption Fund, and Saint Thomas More Catholic Church.

Gift of Adoption Fund - https://giftofadoption.org/donate/

Saint Thomas Academy - https://www.cadets.com/giving/memorial-giving

St. Thomas More - https://www.morecommunity.org/give

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