Mary Wolberg, 88, Dickinson, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson, secure in the love of God and her entire family. Mary’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, July 1, 2013 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Shannon Lucht as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a vigil at 4 p.m., with Deacon Ron Wolberg presiding, at Ladbury Funeral Service, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
Born in Dickinson on October 22, 1924 to Anton and Emilie Splichal, the family farmed in Dunn County northeast of town. Mary attended Saint Patrick’s Elementary School and Central High School, and worked on the farm helping her parents and caring for her 10 siblings. She held jobs at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and King’s Super Value. Thankful for being raised Catholic, she called it, “a truly special privilege”. Easter was her favorite holiday.
On June 19, 1945, Mary married Robert “Bob” Wolberg, and together they raised 8 sons and 4 daughters. She considered raising her family of 12 children her greatest success.
Mary enjoyed gardening, birds, flowers and music. She played piano, accordion and guitar. She was also an avid crossword puzzle worker and Scrabble player.
Mary believed the most important thing in life is belief in God and serving Him. A parishioner at Saint Patrick’s and Queen of Peace, she was a member of Christian Mothers and Catholic Daughters and baked for the annual Trinity High School Mardi Gras fund raiser. She loved and served her family by cooking for gatherings throughout her life and generously opening her home and heart to all. Her kids and grandkids rave about her borscht and chicken noodle soups and her kolaches! When asked what helped her most in facing life’s difficulties, Mary credited her “faith in God and our many faithful, wise relatives and friends.”
Mary was preceded in death by Bob, her husband of 63 years; son Robert Wolberg; grandson Kelly Wolberg; brothers Vincent, Anton, George, Steven, Joseph, and William Splichal. Mary is survived by 11 children; Ronald (Corinne); Wayne (Verneice); Dennis (Elaine); Dale (Kristine); Alvin (Diane); Marilyn (Keith) Rustand; Kenneth (Shelly); Laureen Wolberg; Gary (Andrea) Wolberg; Colleen (Kerry) Kramlich; and Denise Wolberg: and 30 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters Dorothy (Bob) Ficek; Emma Sadowsky; Agnes (Joseph) Wandler; Lillian Dobitz; and brother Wencel “Jim” (Mary) Splichal.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Benedict’s Health Center.
