Mary J. Winberg

Mary Jean Wanzek Winberg, age 98, passed away peacefully in her home on June 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of family both near and far, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness.

Mary was born April 7, 1927, in Jamestown, ND, to Peter George and Martha Ramona (Pyzick) Wanzek, the second of ten children and the oldest daughter.

After the passing of her mother when Mary was 11 years old, she completed the eighth grade and then stayed home to help raise her younger siblings and perform the countless tasks of farm life during the Great Depression. Her childhood was shaped by hard work and responsibility that remained a cornerstone throughout her life.

The Wanzeks were a large family, with four brothers settling in nearby farmsteads, each raising ten or more children. Many family gatherings took place, and it was at one of these Sunday gatherings at her uncle’s farm that she first met Bill Winberg. He had heard all about Mary and made a special trip to meet her. The first impression was mutual and an interest in each other was sparked. Bill would commonly refer to Mary as the prettiest girl in the county. Their courtship began when Bill started walking Mary home from work.

Mary and Bill (William Dean) Winberg, married June 14, 1949, at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Windsor, ND. They spent the next 70 years loving life and raising their five children.

Mary was a dedicated homemaker and began working outside the home in 1960 as a store clerk. While continuing to raise their five children, she became a manager of Stop and Go stores, retiring after 25 years as a dedicated, loyal employee. The stores she managed continually won the “Cleanest Store” awards. It was during this time, in 1974 that Mary completed her GED, a personnel achievement of hers.

During retirement, Mary and Bill traveled and made a winter home in Arizona for nearly 20 years. They enjoyed socializing with many friends and visiting family. Water volleyball  was a favorite with everyone.

Nearly seven years ago, they moved to Touchmark Retirement Community in Fargo. Mary loved her association with many friends and staff. She was a regular at Bingo and enjoyed many card games and participating in Tipsy Sips.

Throughout her life, she was always active and busy, whether working in their large vegetable garden, tending her roses, or preparing delicious meals and baked goods. Mary was an excellent seamstress, sewing everything from clothing to curtains. She enjoyed birdwatching, fishing, and playing cards with family and friends. Her sense of humor, kindness, and ability to make others feel valued was just part of who she was.

Mary loved spending time with her grandchildren, who always looked forward to her caramel rolls, chocolate chip, and oatmeal cookies. Their home was a gathering place for many family activities.

Mary is survived by daughter, Karen (Al) Brennan, The Villages, FL; daughter, Kathryn (Mark) Fagergren, Salt Lake City, UT; daughter-in-law, Kim Etterman Winberg, Lady Lake, FL; son, John (Melanie Askegaard) Winberg, Crystal Lake, IL; and daughter, Kim (Byron) Trochman, Fargo, ND; 11 grandchildren, Jenell (Jason) Anderson, Kelly Brennan, Elizabeth Westphal, Tyler (Starr) Fagergren, Amber Brennan, Thomas (Rachel) Fagergren, Annie (Joseph) Post, Archer Winberg, Garrett (Halley) Trochman, Henry Burke (Lydia Bedgood),and Kathryn Trochman; 17 great-grandchildren, Mallori, Leah, Sydney, Jacob, Jace, Ella, Xander, Mae, Olivia, James, Grace, Noah, Eloise, Amelia, Violet, Henry, and Poppy; and great-great grandson, Mason.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Winberg; son, Robert Jay Winberg; granddaughter, Dawn (Michael) Winberg Provence; parents, Peter George Wanzek and Martha Ramona Pyzick; sisters, Patricia Falk, Rose Gonser; brothers, James, Stanley, Thomas, and Mark.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM, on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Touchmark at Harwood Groves, Fargo. Burial will be in St. Pauline Cemetery, Windsor, ND.