Mary Louise (Lorius) Knauf

   Mary L. Knauf, 97, of Chatfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.

   Mary Louise Lorius was born October 26, 1926, 2 miles west on a farm by Cherry Grove, MN, to Anton & Anna (Westphalen) Lorius.  She went to Hall School west of Cherry Grove through the 8th grade.  She worked as a maid for various people, and also in a grocery store.  During World War II she worked in a factory in Duluth.  After the war she moved back and worked at Farm & Home in Rochester before she owned a small Engine Sales & Service in Chatfield.  Mary was married to Douglas Horsman in 1946 and later divorced. She later on married Vance Knauf 1996.

  Mary had a lot of activities she enjoyed from, quilting, gardening, fishing, baking, bingo cards, and board games and puzzles.  She was a member of the VFW, Eastern Star, and Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Chatfield. 

   Mary is survived by her children; Peggy (Bob) Baker of Chatfield, Julie Laures of St. Peter, and Steven (Mary) Horsman of Chatfield; 10 grandchildren; 20 great- grandchildren; and 3 great- great- grandchildren; brother, Fred (Evie) Lorius of Spring Valley.  She is preceded in death by her parents; 2 sons Charles Horsman and a infant son; and 4 sisters.

   Memorial Service for Mary will be 11 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Chatfield, with pastor Tammy Rider officiating.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.  Burial will be a Washington Cemetery in rural Spring Valley, following the lunch.

  Riley Funeral Homes & Cremation Service is assisting the Knauf family with arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com

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