Mary Vlasak

MARY VLASAK August 2, 1919 – October 13, 2016         Mary Vlasak, age 97, of Ponsford, formerly of Downers Grove, IL, died Thursday, October 13, 2016 at the Cottage in Detroit Lakes, MN.       Mary was born on August 2, 1919 in Naperville, IL to Arthur and Frances (Spinner) Hinterlong. She was raised in the Naperville area, graduating from high school at the Sacred Heart Academy in Lisle, IL. On June 24, 1939, she was united in marriage to Raymond Vlasak in Naperville. The young couple then moved to Chicago where she was employed at Montgomery Ward during the war years. After the war, they moved to Downers Grove, IL where for many years Mary rated insurance policies for companies such as the Hartford and Alexander Company. It was also during these years that their family grew with the addition of their two children, Raymond and Karen. In 1973, shortly before they retired, Ray and Mary moved to the Twin Cities in Minnesota. After retirement, they became the co-owners and operators of The High Pines Resort on Bad Medicine Lake near Ponsford. Mary and Ray enjoyed 62 years of marriage before Ray died in 2001.       Mary was very active with several organizations. She was a member of the Club in Osage, the Widow’s Club, Martha’s Club, and the Friendly Squares Square Dancing Club. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing and quilting, crafting, ceramics, stained glass, fishing, and playing bingo. A lifelong lover of music, Mary was also an accomplished piano player. Mary was a faithful churchgoer her entire life, most recently attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Two Inlets.       Mary is survived by her two children: Raymond (Lynette) Vlasak and Karen (John) La Fond, both of Ponsford; grandchildren: Scott (Heidi) Vlasak of MN, Paul (Deena) Vlasak of MI, Mark (Teri) Vlasak of CO, and Danielle (Jason) Winget of OH; great grandchildren: Sarah, Benjamin, Thomas, Casondra, and Aaron Vlasak, Harlo and Rhys Winget; sister Henrietta Vermaat of IL; and several nephews.       Preceding her in death are her parents; husband Raymond; and a brother Martin.       Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 11 AM in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Two Inlets, MN.  Public visitation will be held on Friday, October 21, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN as well as on Saturday at the church an hour before the start of the service. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Two Inlets, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church, Two Inlets, MN; the Alzheimers Association; or the Bad Medicine Lake Area Foundation. To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com