Obituary of Mary Anlauf

Mary E. Anlauf, 83, of Cambridge, MN passed away in her home with her family by her side. Mary was born on September 20, 1929 in Fennimore, WI. She was the second oldest of five children born to Walter and Francis Richgels. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1947 where her husband, Allen first caught her eye. Al and Mary were married on June 19, 1954 at St. Columba Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN. Al and Mary's first house was in Roseville, MN. Due to Al's work, they moved to Iowa and Oklahoma and finally settled in Minnesota in 1969. Mary worked as a co-owner, bookkeeper, and secretary (officer) in their business Mille Lacs Oil Company. Mary's life was centered on her children. In 1988, Mary purchased the cabin that had been built by her father and brothers. In doing so, she provided a place for her family to relax, laugh, and connect. It was her most favorite place in the world. She loved her sons/daughters-in-law as much as she did her 7 children. She treasured her 18 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Mary's family depended on her for loving kindness. She was a woman of many chances, always forgiving and finding the good in everyone. Mary's love and compassion were known by all who knew her. Mary was very generous, not only to her family, but to many strangers that never knew who had provided for them. Mary had a quick wit knew how to throw a great party. She loved to dance with Al and enjoyed her many trips to Las Vegas. No matter where she was or what she was doing, her family was foremost in her mind. It is what she truly lived for. Mary was preceded in death by her siblings Joan (Don Geehan) and Harold Richgels) and her granddaughter Laura Anlauf. She was survived by her siblings Harriet (Dick Sperle) and Laverne Richgels (Margaret) and sister-in-law Carol Richgels, husband Allen, children Ron (Kathy), Jeff (Diane), Dennis (Sharalyn), Sharon (John Lewis), Valerie (David Howard), Maria (Shannon Olson), and Maureen; 17 grandchildren Jonathan, Michael, Jessica (Hernandez), Laura, William, Alaina, Kelly, Mitchell, and Nicholas Anlauf; Elizabeth, Rebecca (Cramer), Bryan, Patrick, Brett Becklin; Maggie (Furlong) and Hannah Howard; Whitney and Christopher Olson and 9 great grandchildren Dominic, Addie, Stella, Eva, Isabella, Ryder, Alex, Caleb, Jayden.