Mary Jane Schiller

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Jane Schiller will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, with Father Donald Wagner as celebrant. Friends may call at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel in Wadena on Tuesday, January 29, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. for the celebration of Mary Jane’s life, with Parish Prayers at 6:00 and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Mary Jane Schiller, age 90 of Wadena, MN, went to her eternal reward on Friday, January 25, 2013 at Fair Oaks Lodge in the presence of her daughters Linda Buising and Mary Kay Wohlert. Mary Jane was born May 25, 1922 in Fairfield, IA to parents Loren and Lois M. (Bishop) Ogden. Following her father’s early death from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) she moved with her mother and sister Barbara Ann to Park Rapids, MN where her two older brothers Delmar and Dwayne Ogden were living with the Bishop family. She graduated from Park Rapids High School, worked in retail sales, and met her husband, Philip A. Schiller through mutual friends. She and Philip were married in Seattle, Washington, on December 27th, 1944 just before Phil was deployed as a Naval Seaman to the Pacific. Mary Jane returned to live with her mother and gave birth to Philip Jeffrey in Wadena prior to her husband’s return from the service. The couple had 4 more children: Linda, Larry, Tony and Mary Kay. Mary Jane and Phil lived in Wadena until Phil’s death in 1988. For a time, they also had a cabin on Ottertail Lake. Mary Jane’s foremost role was that of faithful wife and mother, but she had many talents and an entrepreneurial spirit that would not be suppressed. Over the years her ventures included purchasing a knitting machine, lingerie sewing, involvement in equine activities, and bookkeeping for Russ Davis Wholesale. A life-long bridge player, she participated regularly in her bridge club’s weekly get-togethers. She acquired an electric organ and played at home for family and friends, and for diners at the Pine Cove Inn. She was a faithful fan of her children's and grandchildren's athletic activities. Following her husband’s death she moved to Wyoming for several years to be near her son’s family. She made friends easily and was always ready for travel and new adventures. Toward the end of her life she was actively involved in quilting and dabbled in Wadena politics. Mary Jane always gave of herself in many ways, contributing to charity with her many crafting talents and working for numerous causes. A convert to Catholicism, she was a faithful and active member of St. Ann’s Parish, serving as Eucharistic Minister and leading Bible studies. She fulfilled her role as grandmother and great-grandmother with gusto and great love. Mary Jane is survived by her son Philip “Jeff” (Karen) of Eagan, daughter Linda Buising of Burnsville, son Larry (Mary Beth) of Willmar and daughter Mary Kay (Tim) Wohlert of Wadena; grandchildren Mike Schiller and Alyson Muzila; Ryan Buising, Melissa Dayton and Angie Massant; Tonya Roth, Phillip and Matt Schiller; and Paul and Mark Wohlert; 17 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers will be Michael Schiller, Ryan Buising, Phillip Schiller, Matthew Schiller, Paul Wohlert and Mark Wohlert. Pallbearers will be Michael Schiller, Ryan Buising, Phillip Schiller, Matthew Schiller, Paul Wohlert and Mark Wohlert. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sister, husband and son Tony. Burial will be in WadenaCemetery.

Mary Jane Schiller

May 25, 1922 - January 25, 2013