Mae E. Vorderbruggen

1927 - 2023

Mae Emma Vorderbruggen went to see our Lord and Savior on Monday, December 25, 2023. She was one week shy of celebrating her 97th birthday.

Per Mae's request, a private Funeral Service will be held for immediate family only.

Mae was born to Louis and Alice Brandenburg on January 1, 1927 in Watertown, MN. She was the oldest of 3 children. She grew up in the Watertown area. She married the love of her life, Richard Vorderbruggen, on July 13, 1942. Rich and Mae farmed together for many years in the Watertown/Delano areas. They had one daughter, Sandy Dalbec. After farming, they moved to Excelsior for several years. Then in 1989, after Rich's passing, Mae moved back to Watertown, across the street from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, allowing her to walk to church every Sunday which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Mae's faith was her guiding light. She spent countless hours listening to and reading scripture. She loved volunteering at church. She faithfully volunteered for coffee for over 10 years and enjoyed every minute of it. She also delighted in ironing for the alter guild and quilting with her fellow parishioners. She loved to go to bible study to listen and talk about our Lord.

Mae's family was precious to her. She loved family functions and all the holidays. She was blessed to see not only her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up but was blessed with a great-great grandchild as well.

Mae had a passion for many things. She had a special place in her heart for birds, especially cardinals. Just a sighting of the beautiful red bird would bring a smile to her face. She had a love for fireworks on the 4th of July and never seemed to tire of those sights and sounds. She so enjoyed the Christmas season, the music and especially the cookies! How appropriate for her to spend Christmas Day in heaven with our Lord!

Mae was preceded in death by her husband Richard Vorderbruggen; parents Louis and Alice (Lange) Brandenburg.

Mae is survived by her loving family: daughter Sandy (Harlan) Dalbec of Annandale; grandchildren Terry (Brenda) Dalbec, Sherry (Joel) Sjostrom, Joy (Rob) Kallenbach; great-grandchildren Nathan (Wenyi) Dalbec, Andrew Dalbec, Jennifer (Cole) Wood, Kayla Kallenbach, Kyle Kallenbach, Dylan Sjostrom; great-great grandson Wesley Dalbec; brother Gene (Jean) Brandenburg; sister Vernee Zagel; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121.