Mary Sue Raisanen

Mary Sue Raisanen, 67, of Carlton, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones at her home on September 4th, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born to Veikko and Ramona (Madden) Dalbacka on July 9th, 1958, in Duluth, MN, Mary grew up in Duluth Minnesota with her two sisters Beth and Jill. She attended Central High School, then graduating from St. Scholastica, with her bachelor's degree in Home Economics.

Mary and her husband Dave met at Catfish Days in Floodwood, they married on September 28th, 1985. They enjoyed a life of travel and adventure from exploring worldly destinations to the solitude of camping in Canada on remote islands. Camping and fishing were one her most enjoyable things to do.

Mary enjoyed taking care of others while she was a nurse's aid in her younger years. Her most enjoyable job was a rural mail carrier. She enjoyed delivering mail visiting with her clients and posting pictures of every kind of creature through her "Bug of the Day" posts. Dave and Mary traveled all across the country to find those "right-hand drive" mail vehicles, creating many memories with her husband. Mary raised many animals throughout the years with her favorite being her pet chickens, and of course she gave them all names. She would always be welcomed home by her pet dogs (which were many throughout the years).

She will also be remembered for her love of cooking, always willing to host others and entertain. She was the only one that would throw a formal New Year's Eve Bon Fire with linens, candles, and of course fireworks. She enjoyed gardening at her home and loved being outdoors. Her Facebook followers will miss the many pictures of bugs and plants that she encountered on her mail routes.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Ramona and Viekko.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dave; daughter, Hallie; and her sisters, Beth and Jill.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion with Mary.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Friday, September 12th, 2025, at Nelson Funeral Care, starting at 11:00 am until 12:00 noon when a time of sharing will be held. Luncheon to follow. Interment will occur at Prairie Lake Cemetery in Fine Lakes Township at a later date.