Obituary of Mary Alice Greuel

Mary Alice (Sykora) Greuel, 72, passed away on Sunday, November 12th, 2017 in her home in Eden Prairie, Minnesota (MN), after a courageous three year fight against ovarian cancer. Mary was born on January 12, 1945 in Bemidji, MN. After graduating from Bemidji High School in 1963, she went on to earn her BS Degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Minnesota. Afterward, she got married and settled in St. Cloud, MN, working as a physical therapist at the St. Cloud Hospital, Foley Nursing Home, and St. Cloud Orthopedics. After remarrying in 1989, she lived in Massachusetts until 2014 before returning to Minnesota. Mary had a zest for life and was very active. Her favorite activities were playing golf, kayaking, fishing, sailing, and making creative artwork. That zest for life was also on display while cheering for her favorite football teams, where she was often the most passionate voice in the crowd. Her energy and smile lit up every room she walked into, and she had a knack for making people laugh. Ultimately, it was this love of life that drove her willingness to endure every form of treatment to fight this dreadful disease, leaving her family inspired and in awe. Surviving to honor her memory are her husband of 28 years, David Greuel; sons, Mark and Brent (Angela) Baumgartner; grandchildren, Lauren and Luke Baumgartner; brother, Tom (Joy) Sykora; nephew, Ryan Sykora; niece, Katie (Tom) Jasko, and former husband and father of her two sons, Gerald Baumgartner. Mary is preceded in death by her parents Frank T. and Marguerite F. (Murphy) Sykora of Bemidji, MN. At this time, a private ceremony will be held to honor Mary. In June, an inurnment will take place in Bemidji, MN with friends and family to celebrate Mary’s life. The family would like to thank the Cancer and Hospice team at Fairview Southdale Hospital, as well as The Grace A Team that helped care for Mary in her final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. If desired, friends and family may make memorials to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (ocrfa.org) or pscpartners.org. Arrangements were made by the Cremation Society of MN - (952)924-4100.