Mary Jean (Smith) Gaul

In Loving Memory of 

Mary Jean Gaul

Mary Gaul was born in Slayton, MN on July 21, 1939, to Alvina Smith Mathison. She grew up on the Smith family farm and attended the country school through the eighth grade. When it was time for high school she transferred to Slayton High School, where she graduated in 1958. Mary met and dated Richard Gaul while still in high school. After some serious dating, Richard popped the question and the two were married at St. Ann’s Church on July 26, 1958.  Richard and Mary spent the first couple of years moving around southern Minnesota because of Richard’s job. In 1962 they were finally able to settle back in the Slayton area, where they raised their family.  To their union, two daughters were born. Then in 1974, they added two of Mary’s young cousins, Mike, and Charley, to their family after the passing of Leland and Corene Stumm. Mary worked many part-time jobs over the years. She was one of Slayton’s finest Avon Ladies, she was a well-loved lunch lady at SHS, and she was a fantastic cook at the Royal Supper Club. After Richard’s retirement from the telephone company, he and Mary became the custodians for St. Ann’s Church. They took great pride in their work there and were committed to making the church sparkle and shine every day. Through all her adult years she did sewing and alterations for many people in Slayton. Sewing was, by far, her favorite hobby.  Aside from raising her family, her greatest accomplishment was to start a wonderful community wide Christmas dinner for anyone who wanted a place to go on Christmas. She often said that it made her sad to know that people had no one to celebrate the holidays with. She and Richard, along with some beloved friends and family were able to bring that to fruition in December of 2001. The first year they served fifty people. Each year since then, the number of people attending has grown tremendously. She often credited all the people who helped her make it a truly successful community event.  Mary had a heart of gold, and a spunky little attitude. She had many close friends who loved to have coffee with her. She valued every friendship over the years, and loved when people would pop in. The coffee pot was always primed, and ready to go.  Over the past year, Mary’s health started to decline. She was a resident of Maple Lawn Nursing Home, before moving to Lindenwood Assisted Living. She loved it there and we are so thankful for the wonderful, caring staff that took care of her and her family. Mary became a resident of Westbrook Nursing Home in December. She fell ill and was taken to Westbrook Hospital, where she passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the age of 83.  Mary was a member of St. Ann’s Church and a Catholic Daughters of America (CDA) member.  

Mary is survived by her children Donna and Doug Maassen, Albers, Il; Mike and Beth Stumm, Zumbrota, Mn; Becky Gaul, Big Lake, Mn; and Charley and Ann Stumm, Rhome, Tx. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Curt Mathison, her sister-in-law, Joyce Wynia, and her brother-in-law, John DeGreef. Mary also leaves behind family friend George Quinn, Big Lake, Mn and the two best neighbors in Murray County, Tom and Clarice Kappes, and many close relatives and friends.  Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her granddaughter, Moriah; her parents Marvin and Alvina Mathison; her in-laws Bill and Mary Gaul; her brother-in-law, Alfred Wynia and sister-in-law, Joan DeGreef. 

Funeral Services

St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen and Fr. Patrick Arens concelebrating.  The organist is Sharon Lais.  The song leader is Sheila Crowley.  The pallbearers are her grandchildren.  Interment is at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Slayton, MN.  

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 4-6 pm at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton also one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday.  Totzke Funeral home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements.  To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com

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