Obituary of Mary Alma Kielpinski

Mary Alma Kielpinski, Age 75 of Lake Elmo, Minnesota
May 3, 1949 – December 26, 2024
Cherished Wife, Mother and Grandmother

Mary passed away from colon cancer on December 26, 2024 at the Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale, Minnesota. She was born on May 3, 1949 in Auburndale, Wisconsin to Anton and Alma (Schiferl) Grossbier. She graduated from Auburndale High School in 1967. 

In 1969, Mary captured the attention of Ronald Kielpinski while working for an Optometrist in Stevens Point. On June 17, 1972, Mary and Ron were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Auburndale, Wisconsin. 

Mary and Ron owned and operated Ron’s Castle Foods in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for more than three decades. As the co-owner and bookkeeper, Mary played an essential role in the success of the business until they sold it in 2012. Just two months later, she survived a near-fatal accident when a semi struck her vehicle on I-94. Her recovery was nothing short of miraculous, granting her an additional twelve years with her family.

Mary was a woman of unwavering courage, optimism, and faith. She faced life’s challenges with grace, never complaining. A devout Catholic, she found strength in her faith and attended Mass regularly. Her passion for health and wellness inspired her to stay active, working out nearly every day up until her diagnosis. 

Mary’s personal joy and happiness in life came from raising her two daughters, Heather and Kristin. She balanced working full-time at the store and managing the family home. She always placed the needs of her family and others above her own, even until the end. 

Her youngest daughter, Kristin, married Casey Charlson in 2007. They have two children, Connor (age 13) and Caylee (age 9). Their grandchildren became the new generational joy in her life. She became known as Mimi and Ron as Papa in their roles as grandparents. Ron and Mary moved to Lake Elmo, Minnesota in 2020 to be near their family. Spending time with Connor and Caylee brought her immense happiness, whether attending their school events, playing games, enjoying family dinners, or sharing special moments. They formed beautiful bonds. Mimi will be greatly missed by her whole family.

Mary is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ron; daughters Heather Kielpinski and Kristin (Casey) Charlson; grandson Connor, and granddaughter Caylee; sisters Vi (Butch) Carolfi, Rosie (Skip) Skibba; brothers Ralph (Judy) Grossbier, and Wally Grossbier; siblings-in-law Pat Grossbier, Jill Grossbier; many nieces and nephews; special sisters-in-law Sandy (Mike) Scully, Leanne (Chris) Miller and their families.  

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Bernice Grossbier, Mildred Schiller, Cel (Rich) Raschke and Ellie (Ron) Ertl; and brothers: Leo Grossbier, Walter J. Grossbier, Bob Grossbier, Jim Grossbier, Harold Grossbier, Gene (Josephine) Grossbier; parents-in-law Adolph and Adeline Kielpinski.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring for the immediate family.