Mary Jo Resen was born on November 6, 1934 to Glenn and Johanna (Fransen) Dagel in Sibley, Iowa. The family moved to Minnesota and Mary attended school in Lake Benton, Minnesota. She graduated from high school in 1953. Then on July 27, 1957, Mary was united in marriage to Harold Resen in Lake Benton, Minnesota. The couple moved to the Resen family farm near Pipestone and continued to live there for the next 50 years. While Harold farmed the land, Mary not only spent her time raising their daughter, Deanna, but also took great care of the farm animals the family had. Harold preceded Mary in death in 2007. Following his death, Mary moved to the Storybrook Apartments in Pipestone, Minnesota. She continued to live there, until her health began to decline and caused her to move to the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone in March of 2020. In June of 2020, Mary moved to the Pipestone County Hospice House, where on Friday, July 10, 2020, she passed away peacefully at the age of 85 years, eight months, and four days.
Mary was a beloved member of the Peace United Methodist Church in Pipestone. She was a fun-loving individual that brought levity to almost any situation, from wearing Harold’s hats on top of her permed hair to helping start wrapping paper “fights” after opening Christmas presents. Mary enjoyed reading, puzzles, and playing cards with friends. While out on the farm, Mary always had a beautiful garden, full of produce that she canned and used in her cooking. She had a great love of music, especially Polka music, her family knew not to bother her when she was watching her Fun Time Polka. Mary also spent a lot of time crocheting for her family. Above all else, she adored her family and told anyone and everyone about how much she loved them.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Deanna (Randy) Prellwitz of Minneota, Minnesota; two granddaughters, Amanda Prellwitz and her special friend Jesse Burau and Hanna (Zach) Bartels; sister-in-law Deloris Dagel of Ruthton, Minnesota; nieces and nephews; and many loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; infant twin sons, Glen and John; her parents; brothers, Rex Dagel and Larry Dagel; sisters, Elnora Peterson and Florine Bannick; brothers-in-law, George Peterson and Ernie Bannick; and a sister-in-law, Rosie Dagel.
“It’s not goodbye, it’s a see you later”
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Pipestone County Hospice House.
