Mary Ann Pirsig

Mary Ann Pirsig, 94, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at the Thorne Crest Senior Center in Albert Lea, MN. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. Pastor Shane Koepke will be officiating.

Mary was born on July 11, 1931 to Albert and Emma Olson at their homestead in Frost, MN. Her formative years were spent in Bricelyn, MN, where she graduated high school and eventually married the love of her life, Rodger Pirsig, on April 8, 1951. Together they had three children: Kathryn, Brad, and Scott.

In 1976, she faced the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband, Rodger. She never remarried and often said, "There will never be another Rodger." She carried his memory with her, living a full and independent life, but always held a special place in her heart for the love they shared.

Mary later began employment at Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen, starting out on the potato salad line as one of their first employees and working her way up to become the supervisor of the vegetable department. She was always thankful to Mrs. Gerry for giving her a job when she needed one.

An active member of her community, Mary was involved in the Altar Guild at Grace Lutheran Church, and also a member of the local Moose Club. During the Christmas season, she would volunteer to ring the bell for the Salvation Army Kettle.

In her spare time, Mary enjoyed knitting and traveling. Later in life, she became a passionate Vikings fan. She could be found on Sundays in the fall cheering loudly for her team, and even had a foam brick to throw at the TV when the officials made a questionable call. She loved to take long walks and especially appreciated the beauty of Katherine Island. Most of all, she enjoyed watching movies, eating pizza, and laughing with her grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her children Kathryn Holmstrom of Peoria, IL, Brad (Deb) Pirsig of Albert Lea, and Scott (Shari) Pirsig of Albert Lea; grandchildren Amanda (Brad) Holmstrom of Mason, MI, Chad (Joey) Holmstrom of Bloomington, IL, Seth Holmstrom of Abergavenny, Wales, Nick (Tammy) Pirsig of Albert Lea, Tim (Stephanie) Pirsig of Salt Lake City, UT, Casey (Meg) Pirsig of Stillwater, MN, Ross (Rocío) Pirsig of Málaga, Spain, and Callen (Courtney) Pirsig of Cottage Grove, MN; as well as many great-grandchildren.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband Rodger Pirsig; siblings Mario, Arnold, Robert, Martha and Genevieve; and her parents Albert and Emma Olson.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to St. Croix Hospice and Thorne Crest Senior Living for the wonderful care they provided Mary.

The service will be live-streamed, and can be watched below, or from the following link: https://youtube.com/live/ZQhiseooqGo?feature=share