Mary Irving Bredeson

Mary Irving Bredeson died on Friday, August 21, 2015 at the age of 90.

Mary was born on December 25, 1924 in Huron, South Dakota and was the first child of Mabel and Ezra Engelbart.

Mary, fondly known as “Honey” to her family, was raised in Cannon Falls, Minnesota along with her younger brother, John. As the daughter of a schoolteacher and a school superintendent, Mary was a good student and enjoyed her life in Cannon Falls. She learned to ice skate on the Cannon River behind their home.

Mary’s family moved to Minneapolis where Mary graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Dietary Science. At the U of MN, Mary met Eugene Bredeson. They were married in June 1946 and honeymooned in Duluth, Minnesota.

Gene’s work took them to Texas where they formed lifelong friendships. Their two sons, Larry and Richard, were born in Texas. After a few years in Texas, the family moved back to Minnesota and settled into life in Richfield. Mary worked as the head dietician at hospitals in Minneapolis and taught classes at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.

Mary and Gene made family their focus and spent many weekends and most vacations camping in Minnesota state parks. Yellowstone National Park was a most-visited and cherished destination throughout their lives.

In 1973, Mary and Gene moved to Billings, Montana, where Mary worked at the Billings Clinic. For 17 years, they enjoyed the close proximity to their beloved Yellowstone, the Grand Teton National Park, and other lovely areas in the west. They were gracious hosts to family and friends. Mary could pack an amazing picnic and knew the best places to stop. We all adopted the habit of standing around the picnic table while eating lunch, taking in glorious views. Mary and Gene kept up a good pace on long hikes and rode bikes throughout their lives.

In 1990, Mary and Gene moved back to Minneapolis to be closer to their family. They continued traveling throughout their married life: England, Norway, Hawaii, Alaska, and nearly everywhere in the United States. They spent much time in Washington where their son and family lived, enjoying trips to the beach and to Canada. Mary maintained photo books documenting their travels and their family life. Her memory was legendary and we relied on her to recall dates and places.

If you played Bridge or Cribbage with Mary, you knew she took her cards seriously and was a skilled player. Mary was a voracious reader and a serious follower of politics. Conversations never lingered on the weather; she preferred discussions around national and international events. For many years, Mary and Gene enjoyed the symphony in Minneapolis. Both were skilled pianists.

In 2006 Mary and Gene moved to Iowa to reside closer to family. Mary enjoyed living at The Lodge in West Des Moines; finally giving up cooking her wonderful meals. She made close friends in Iowa who helped make these last years as rich and rewarding as could be. Mary continued to enjoy her walks and could often be seen in Valley Junction.

Mary leaves behind family and friends who are grateful for knowing her and deeply saddened by her sudden death. Her quick wit and dry sense of humor entertained family and friends throughout her long, well-lived life. Mary didn’t suffer fools gladly, and was refreshingly candid. We will cherish our memories of a woman who lived life to the fullest and taught us much about what is important.

Mary is survived by her son, Larry (Liz) and their daughters, Chelsea (Eric) Hayes and Caroline (Brady) Hicks; and son, Dick (Di) and their daughter, Molly. Mary was delighted to know her 3 great-grandchildren, Greta, Dylan and Quinton. Mary’s brother, John and his son, James also survive her.

Mary was pre-deceased by her husband, Gene in 2009; and her parents.

The family will hold a celebration of Mary’s life at The Lodge of Ashworth, 947 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines on Wednesday, August 26th from 2 to 4 p.m.

Notice will be given for a service to be held in Minneapolis later this fall.

Mary wished to be cremated and her ashes will be spread in Yellowstone Park to join her husband.

Memorials may be made in Mary’s name to the Yellowstone Association.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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