Mary Stoller

Mary Stoller, 91, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, August 10, 2019 at the Cottage in Detroit Lakes.

Mary Louise (Ode) Stoller was born on September 27, 1927 to Paul and Sally (Pearson) Ode on the family farm near Brandon, South Dakota. She graduated Brandon High in 1945 and Augustana College in 1949 and pursued master degrees at the University of Minnesota and the University of North Dakota.  She taught high school English in Canton, South Dakota worked in her two uncles’ bank before taking up teaching again in Humboldt (SD), Pipestone and Battle Lake, Minnesota. She married Cal Stoller on August 3, 1958 and they made their life in the beautiful community of Battle Lake and owned Nifty Nook Resort on Otter Tail Lake for 34 years.

Mary was a gracious, strong and beautiful lady, excellent teacher, hard worker, creative seamstress, incredible baker, loyal friend, loving mother and an amazing Grandma Nana to her beloved grandchildren. She believed strongly in getting fresh air every day, walking 2 miles, eating real food, laughing often, reading daily and praying all the time. She loved to drive and travel, and although Cal passed away early before he could retire with her, she continued their plans to travel. In her retirement she took many trips all over the world with dear friends and family. Mary was the choir director at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake for many years, an active Tuesday league bowler (to the age of 85!), member of groups including the Progressive Club, League of Women Voters, Republican Club, Otter Tail County Historical Society, Otter Tail Lake Sewer District and many other committees and boards over the years. She loved being active and meeting new people, but she also valued her time enjoying her home on Otter Tail Lake especially when her grandchildren visited.

Blessed to have been part of her life, Mary is survived by daughter, Amy and son-in-law Mike Stearns, beloved grandchildren Benjamin and Katherine, brother Jim Ode and sister-in-law Ruth, Cal’s sister Mildred Kirschenmann, a host of Ode/Pearson cousins and numerous loved nieces, nephews and godchildren. Her family is thankful for the sweet care provided by the amazing people who work at the Good Samaritan Center in Battle Lake and the Cottage by Ecumen in Detroit Lakes.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Paul & Sally Ode; husband Cal; sister and brother-in-law Elaine & Alton Smedstad; brother and sister-in-law Burton & Dorcas Ode; brother-in-law Bert Kirschenmann, Cal’s sister and brother-in-law Patricia & Jim Pomeroy; and niece Janice Ode, nephews Thomas Ode and Barry Smedstad. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Battle Lake Schools, First Lutheran Church or any place that makes your heart sing. Mary was blessed to have a full, wonderful life. May her legacy be that you love your family, treasure your old friends, make new friends often, love the outdoors, work hard, eat good food, drink a little rhubarb wine, laugh daily, and sing a beautiful hymn.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, August 17 at 1:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake with visitation one hour prior at the church.

Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Arrangements with Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

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