Mary Jean Doerr

Mary Jean Doerr, age 75, of Willmar, passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning, January 25, at her residence.

A celebration of Mary's life will be from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  A private interment will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Clara City.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Mary's life may be directed to Hawk Creek Animal Shelter in Willmar.  Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Mary was born on August 13, 1949, in Montevideo, Minnesota, the daughter of Daniel and Effie (Hansen) Jaenisch. She grew up in Clara City and graduated from Clara City High School in 1967. Mary lived in Willmar and worked at Torge’s Clothing Store in downtown Willmar. 

On Labor Day weekend of 1976, Mary met the love of her life and was married seven months later, on April 29, 1977, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Gregory Doerr. They made their home in Minneapolis for many years while she worked at U.S. Bank and Greg at the Ford plant. Mary retired in 2001 and in 2002, they moved to Willmar. They were both members of Vinje Lutheran Church.

Mary and Greg enjoyed dining out and traveling together throughout the United States. They went on many cruises along the East coast, West coast and Alaska. She showed a tremendous love and care to her feline companions, husband and family (especially her grandchildren).

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 48 years, Greg; one daughter, Lisa Hayes-Stich of St. Michael; three grandchildren, Tyler Hayes, Kemry Stich and Ava Stich; and two brothers, Edwin Jaenisch of Willmar and Robert (and Sharon) Jaenisch of Clara City, besides other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one granddaughter, Rylie Hayes; one sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Eldon Hatts; one brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Diane Jaenisch; and a sister-in-law, Alice Jaenisch.