Mary Elizabeth Schierenbeck

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE OF MARY SCHIERENBECK

On October 23, 1945, the Lord blessed Earl and Laura Grimes of Marquette, MI, with a daughter, Mary Elizabeth. Mary was received into God's family through the washing of Holy Baptism and confirmed in the Christian faith in May of 1959 at St Paul's Lutheran Church of Green Garden, MI.

Upon graduating from Graveraet High School in Marquette in 1963, Mary was led to attend Immanuel Lutheran College in Eau Claire, WI, where she met her future husband and graduated from the teacher training program in 1966. From 1966-1968 she taught Grades 1-2 at Immanuel Lutheran School in Mankato, MN. In 1970 she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Elmhurst College near Chicago and over the years did substitute teaching in public schools as well as volunteer teaching at Christian Day schools in Saginaw, Michigan, and Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

On June 22, 1968, Mary was united in marriage to David Schierenbeck who was entering the pastoral ministry. The Lord blessed this union of almost 57 years with four children. Mary faithfully served her Lord, her family, her church and her husband's ministry throughout her life. She later also worked in the Finance Department for the State of Minnesota. Mary's special "love languages" included singing her Lord's praises in worship and in choir as well as working with young children, musically and otherwise. She also showed her love with her cooking, baking, sewing and weeding talents. Her hobbies included gardening, reading, word puzzles and mastering Wheel of Fortune. One of her greatest blessings was time spent with and love shown to her granddaughters: Corinne, Ravyn, Brynn, Claire and Grace. She attended every one of their events possible and was a loud and proud supporter of their many activities. She became a grandma to many special friends and teammates and loved being around the girls. Mary loved fiercely and often expressed it with her "love taps" and homemade bars.

Over the past five years, earlier genetic heart issues resurfaced, for which she underwent a number of procedures and hospitalizations. In His mercy, through answered prayers and amazing medical care, the Lord extended her "time of grace". We are especially grateful to the Mayo Clinic of Rochester and to the Abbott-Northwestern Hospital Heart Team for their amazing care.

On Saturday, May 10, Mary's Savior and Good Shepherd came and led her safely through the valley of the shadow of death to the wonderful Paradise of God, the very purpose and goal for which He had created and redeemed her.

She leaves behind to mourn her earthly absence but celebrate her heavenly homecoming: her husband (of 56 years) David; children Teri, Steven (Heather), Todd and Laura; granddaughters Corinne, Ravyn, Brynn, Claire, Grace; siblings Gail Nesbit, her twin David Grimes, Eloise Martz and Paul Grimes; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings Joanne Salisbury, Sally Cherrette, Robert Grimes, Nancy McGregor and Dan Grimes.

Most importantly we give thanks to our Lord of Love and Life for the lifetime of blessings He granted Mary and through her to many others. Services to remember the earthly life and celebrate the heavenly life of Mary Schierenbeck will take place as follows.

Berea Lutheran Church

9308 Rich Valley Blvd

Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Visitation: 10:00am

Service: 11:00am

Lunch will follow in adjacent activity center.