Mavis Wedner

Mavis M. Wedner, age 88, of Waseca, MN died on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mankato, MN with family at her bedside.

Mavis Maxine, was born July 20, 1935 to John and Lydia (Grunwald) Papke in Waseca. May was baptized on August 18, 1935 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wilton Township. She reaffirmed her faith through confirmation on June 5, 1949. She attended rural country school and then Waseca High School graduating in 1953. After graduation she moved to Minneapolis where she attended beauty school and worked for 20 years.

She was united in marriage to James Wedner of Eagle Bend, MN on April 7, 1956 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Wilton Township. In 1973 they moved to Charles City, IA. There, Mavis worked in various high-end retail stores. She also enjoyed the acreage near her home where she had many rescue animals including miniature horses, goats, lots of homeless cats and two guard dogs. 

She remained in Charles City for a time after Jim’s death in 1984, but eventually sold her home in 1996 and moved closer to her family in Waseca. Here, she volunteered at Lakeshore Inn and her church for many years. She continued her passion for animals, especially her dogs and cats. She enjoyed the many activities of her extended family as well.

Mavis is survived by her sister Janis Drahiem of Mesa, AZ and sister-in-law, Sally Wedner of Keizer, Oregon. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lydia Papke; her husband, Jim; her sister, Lois (Orlando) Wood; her brothers-in-law, William Draheim and Roger Wedner; and brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Betty Wedner.

Funeral service was  at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wilton Township, Waseca County. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Woodville Cemetery.