Mary Janice Fuhrman entered eternal life on December 31, 2017 after spending the day with her family. She was 97 years old and a long-time resident of Jordan. A Christian Funeral will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11AM with a visitation 1-hour prior at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Jordan. Mary will be laid to rest at Spirit Hill Cemetery, Jordan. Pastor Jeremey Glowicki will preside and Mary’s grandsons will act as pallbearers.
On August 17, 1920 Mary was born to parents Hjalmer and Emma (Krafve) Kragthorpe. She was the third of seven children. Growing up during the Great Depression, Mary lived throughout Minnesota as her father traveled as a laborer. When she was 16 years old, the family settled in Jordan.
Mary’s life was enriched when her brother Jim introduced her to a young man, Harold C. Fuhrman, at the Corner Bar in Jordan. The two hit it off and dated before exchanging wedding vows on September 21, 1940 in Shakopee. From this union, Mary became the mother of four wonderful children—Janet, Jean, Chuck, and Don. While Mary primarily focused on raising her family, she also worked as a waitress at the Hamburger Home and babysat for other families.
Mary loved spending time with her family and friends. In the summers, the family often took picnics and vacationed up north where they would swim, fish, and enjoy cabin life. She relished being a grandmother—she truly lit up whenever she spent time with her grandchildren. Mary was always thoughtful, never forgetting to send a birthday or Christmas card to family members. For nearly 50 years, Mary joined her friends for a monthly card game. She loved playing cards whether it was poker or Michigan Rummy!
As a mother, Mary understood the importance of teaching Christian values to her children. She was faithful and humble. Mary often led by example—she saw Christ and imitated him as a true servant in word and deed, showing love and compassion to others. She volunteered for her church and the Jordan community. Mary served as a Sunday school teacher, was on the St. Paul’s luncheon committee, and often helped with Meals on Wheels and the American Red Cross blood mobile. Mary was also a member of the Ladies Aid and the Jordan Ladies Auxiliary.
Even as Mary’s healthy began to fail, she relied on her faith to bring her strength and comfort. Mary was a sweet, generous woman who will be remembered by her children, Janet Trcka, Jean (Wayne) Lindquist, Charles “Chuck” Fuhrman, Donald (Terry) Fuhrman; grandchildren, Kathy (Dan) Riley, Jim (Pam) Trcka, Jerry (Missy) Trcka, Adam Lindquist, Kate (Nick) Kenney, Emily (Nathan) Hallgren, Lisa (Tom) Stiemach, Carl (Casey) Fuhrman, Amy Szymanskie, Joe (Laura) Fuhrman, Andy (Becca) Fuhrman, Kelsey (Jesse) Dillon; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Ron (Ila Jean) Kragthorpe, Dave (Barbara) Kragthorpe; sister-in-law, Betty Kragthorpe; many other relatives and friends.
Mary is preceded in death her husband, Harold Fuhrman; parents; siblings, Muriel (Norvald) Siverson, Jim (Dorothy) Kragthorpe, Maynard (Vi) Kragthorpe, Art Kragthorpe; son-in-law, Joseph Trcka.
Arrangements by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
