Mary Jo K. Pudas

      Mary Jo K. Pudas, 68, of Menahga, MN, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully while asleep in her home on Friday, September 21, 2018.

      Mary Jo K. Pachel was born Jan. 9, 1950 in Park Rapids, MN to Joseph and Erma Pachel and had four siblings.  She graduated from Fergus Falls High School with the class of 1968.  On Dec. 26, 1968, she was united in marriage to David L. Olson.  They were married for 22 years and made their home in Fergus Falls and Battle Lake, MN for some time before planting roots in New York Mills, MN where they raised their four children.  Mary was employed at many places and enjoyed working with and meeting new people.  She was an in-home dispatcher for the New York Mills Police Department while Dave was Chief of Police.  She was a head start teacher for her daughters’ class, and was active with New Horizons Club, and enjoyed staying busy.  Mary became a C.N.A. and enjoyed working with the elderly.  She worked at the NYM hospital, NYM Elders home, Telnet, the Menahga nursing home, was an employee of Home Sweet Home and Tender Hearts Home Care, both in New York Mills, at the time of her death. 

            On August 17, 2002, Mary was united in marriage to Randy Pudas.  They made their life together in rural Menahga, MN where they built their beautiful home together on their property in the pines.  She enjoyed becoming a step-mother and getting to know his family and friends.  Randy filled her heart with love and made her life complete.  Mary loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Becoming a great-grandmother two years ago gave a new sparkle to her smile.  Mary and Randy loved to travel, and especially enjoyed vacations with her daughters’ family on a Disney cruise and their trips to Florida together.  Mary enjoyed camping, and a few years ago they purchased a seasonal lot at Shell Lake Campground in Ogema, MN where they found a whole new set of family and friends.  They enjoyed every second that they spent at the lake and made many memories there.  They traveled to Texas and Mexico with Randy’s cousin and enjoyed staying at South Padre Island.  Mary also enjoyed four-wheeling and fishing with family and friends.

            Mary is survived by her loving husband, Randy Pudas; four children: David Jr (Delaney), Matt (Vicki), Mark (Megan) and Christina (Joe) Weappa; five step-children: Maria (Jeff) Bowlin, Lianna (Joe) Vry, Corey (Katie), Craig (Tana) & Colby; 11 grandchildren: James (Emma), Samantha (Gene), Erik, Cailey, Michael, Lexis, Boyd, Lynsey, Carson, Christian, and Colton; three great-grandchildren: Kira, Russell & Dixie.  She also had 11 step-grandchildren: Alley, Nash & Jade, Ethan, Anthony, Tanner & Kaitlynn, Brice, Colton, Natalia and Gemma; her brother, Rick Pachel; two sisters: Patty (Dan) Bearfield, and Debbie (Jim) Peterman; three brother-in-law’s: Rich (Nancy) Pudas, Russell (Heather) Pudas and Bob (Char) Pudas; two sister-in-law’s: Ranaye (Dick) Kluenenberg and Rhonda (Tom) Ellenbecker, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other special family and friends.

            Mary is preceded in death by her parents Joseph & Erma; her brother, Mike Pachel; and her ex-husband, David L. Olson.

            Her final resting place will be at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, Menahga, MN.

            Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home, Park Rapids, MN and will continue beginning one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.  Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, West of Menahga, MN with Pastor Ron Beck officiating.  Pallbearers will be Mary’s sons: David Olson, Matt Olson, Mark Olson, Corey Pudas, Craig Pudas, and Colby Pudas. Interment will be in the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, Menahga, MN. with a luncheon hosted by the church family following the interment.

To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com