MARY JANE HENDEL

Mary Jane Hendel, 92, of Caledonia, MN passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024, surrounded by three generations of her family. She was born February 15, 1931 in Detroit, MI, the second of four children born to Al and Mary (Ernster) Huesmann. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband George, brother Alan, daughter Greta Ingvalson, and grandson-in-law Charlie Elverson. She spent her childhood in Detroit, Minneapolis and Chicago, traveling to Caledonia for the summer. Her family moved to Caledonia during her high school years where she graduated from Loretto High School. She attended the University of Minnesota and graduated prepared to teach English and art. Following college, she moved to Cloquet where she taught high school. Mary Jane and George were married on July 12,1958. Together they raised 4 children. Mary Jane was warm and welcoming, an exceptional listener, kind and witty. Her passions were family, community service, education, art, reading, travel (often with her sister Dot), and cooking beautiful meals for family and friends. She was always learning and a natural teacher. She had compassion for others and sensed when someone was in trouble, responding with empathy. She was a trusted confidante. She earned a master’s degree in 1987 from Winona State in Community Counseling and worked as a Case Manager for Houston County Social Services. Her volunteer work spanned teaching (helping out in the local schools,) child advocacy as a Guardian ad Litem, and judging 4-H art at the neighboring county fairs. She was also a Rotarian and past President and a Master Gardener. Altogether Mary Jane made her community a better place. She is survived by her siblings Dorothy Hendel of Caledonia and Robert (Lina) Huesmann of Bethesda, MD, her children Katy (Dewayne) Ullsperger, Karl Hendel, Matt (Pam) Hendel, son-in-law Don Ingvalson and 7 Grandchildren, Eric (Julia), Jessie and Devin Ingvalson, Hannah (Brandon) Rounsville, Lauren and Sydney Hendel and Callan Ullsperger. She had 9 nieces and nephews and many friends. Services are Saturday, March 16th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caledonia with visitation in Family Hall at 10:00 am, Funeral at 11:00 am, followed by lunch at The Four Seasons Community Center. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to The Rotary Foundation, Semcac Food Shelf or Mainspring Youth Art Collective.

MARY JANE HENDEL

February 15, 1931 - February 8, 2024