Mary L. (Swanson) Penke

Mary Lee (Swanson) Penke passed away on June 5, 2026. A baptized child of God, we give thanks that she now lovingly rests in God's eternal presence. 

Mary was born on April 25, 1943, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Edward and Henrietta (Caulum) Swanson. She grew up in the La Crosse area, living in various places throughout her childhood. After graduating from high school in 1961, she moved to the Twin Cities area and worked in various odd jobs in the food service industry.

In 1964, she married Barrie Dean Penke. Together, they made their home in Isanti, Minnesota, and became the proud parents of six children. Following Barrie’s passing in 1989, Mary went to work as a sales representative and merchandiser until her retirement in 2011.

A lifelong Christian, Mary was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti and community volunteer. It was her life’s calling to serve others, which she did tirelessly—whether offering a ride, assisting with shopping, cleaning, or helping with daily chores. She remains a beloved role model for her children in perseverance, hard work, generosity, and hospitality.

After retiring, Mary moved to Apache Junction, Arizona, where she quickly formed a vibrant circle of friends. Her neighbors affectionately likened her to a hummingbird, as she was always up, active, and buzzing about all day long. Mary was an avid cook, a fantastic hostess, and loved meeting new people. She was happiest when sharing a big meal followed by a full dessert, or playing cards and board games with family and friends—where she was famously known to "table talk" and occasionally (and lovingly) cheat.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Barrie, her parents, and brothers Mike, Bill and Bob. She is survived by her children: Troy (Jennifer) Penke of Rockton, IL, Nadean (Terry) Inman of Laporte, MN, Shayla (Tim) Osterman of Elk River, MN, Ramie (Eric) Bakken of Cambridge, WI, Slade (Monica) Penke of Ham Lake, MN and Vanessa (Pat) O'Neil of Andover, MN; Her grandchildren, Kendra Penke, Mitchell (Jasmine) Harrington, Kahly (Andrew) Wallisch, Barry Inman, Jacob (Kelly) Osterman, Trent Osterman, Alayna Osterman, Jessica (Jeff) Busch, Nisa (Steve) Knodt, Marit (Nick) Bakken Barber, Rikka (Joshua Jensen) )Bakken, Kjell (Macy) Bakken, Kerri (Will) Coughlin, Ally O'Neil, Hannah O'Neil, John O'Neil; great grandchildren Jonah Harrington, Maddie Wallisch, Bridgette Osterman, Brendan Busch, Lydia Coughlin; a sister, Diane, and brothers Ed and Dan.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the emergency room staff at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN and the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home in Cambridge, MN for their care and guidance.

In honor of Mary's lifelong spirit of service, the family encourages you to make a donation to your local food shelf or community service organization.

The family will receive friends at a memorial gathering on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 11am-2pm at the Pine Hills North Park, 3535 161st Avenue NW, Andover, MN 55304.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at 12:00pm (noon).

NOTE: This is a brand new pavilion at Pine Hills North Park so your navigation system may not reflect the proper directions. Once on Round Lake Blvd North, you will turn left on 161st Ave NW.  Pine Hills North Park is on the right side .5 miles down on 161st Ave NW. 

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