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  Mary Josephine (Pessek) Stresnak, age 84, of Hopkins, MN, and formerly of Hutchinson and Silver Lake, MN, passed away on January 3, 2024. She was born on November 10, 1939, to James Pessek and Bessie (Shaur).

   On October 14, 1961, Mary was joined in marriage to Thomas Stresnak at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Minnetonka. Their love story began when Tom, working in sales, crossed paths with Mary, who worked across the street from him at Midwest Oil Company. Together their love spanned over six decades.

   Mary was an avid lover of flowers and gardening, working at Bachman’s and Minneapolis Floral for several years. In her spare time, she liked to work on needlepoint crafts. Her intricate creations became cherished gifts for friends and family. She was also known for her delicious baked goodies, generously sharing them with neighbors. 

Her apartment was always festive around holiday times, adorned with decorations for every occasion.

   A dedicated reader, Mary enjoyed immersing herself in books and had a remarkable talent for crossword puzzles, completing them impressively in pen. Her love extended beyond people to her feline companions, as she was a devoted cat lover.

   She is preceded in death by her husband, Tom; parents, James and Bessie Pessek; and brothers, Jimmy and Johnny Pessek.

   Mary is survived by her sons, Jerry, Paul (Denise), and Robert Stresnak; daughter, Ann (Mark) Mirsch (“favorite Son inLaw”); grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ben, and Margaret Johnson, Walter Mirsch, and Tyler (Gloria) Stresnak; great-grandchildren, Mya Johnson, Troy Schmaltz, Camila Stresnak, and Cora Johnson; brother, Bob (Nancy) Pessek; brother-in-law, Richard (Jane) Stresnak; nephew, Jimmy Pessek; and many other relatives and friends.

   Celebration of Life will be held at Bunny/Sherms in St. Louis Park MN at a later date. Private interment will be held at Bohemian National Cemetery in Silver Lake, MN.

   Mary’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Park Nicollet Hospice for the compassionate care and support and also to the staff and friends at Chapelview, where Mary resided. The camaraderie shared within the community created a supportive and loving environment for her.

   Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.mareshfuneralhome.com

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