Mary E. Alsleben, 95, Hutchinson, died Monday, June 8, 2020, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
A private graveside service will be at Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Mary Elaine Putney was born on May 21, 1925, to Charles and Mary (McNellis) Putney in Hutchinson. She was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. She received her education in Hutchinson and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1943.
On Nov. 27, 1943, Mary married Melvin Alsleben at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Diane. Mary and Melvin resided in Hutchinson and shared 42 years of marriage.
Mary was employed in the office at 3M on March 12, 1947, in Hutchinson and continued for over 40 years. She developed many lasting friendships through the years there, especially with Sumiko (Pete) Nelson, who she helped adjust to living in Hutchinson from Japan. She retired from 3M in 1987.
Mary was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She enjoyed bowling, bird watching, reading, watching car racing and crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed volunteering at the locallibrary, the McLeod County Historical Society and 3M functions. Mary spent many summers at the cabin on Spirit Lake in Okoboji.
Mary became a resident at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson on Oct. 18, 2018.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Diane (David) Arends of Brandon, South Dakota; a grandson, Brian (Kimberly) Arends of Luverne; great-grandchildren Cooper Arends and Tyler Arends;sister Faye Prieve of Dassel; brother Donald (Darlene) Putney of Litchfield;sisters-In-Law Shirley Burmeister, Beverly Alsleben, Elsie Alsleben, and Dorothy Alsleben, all of Hutchinson, Elnora Putney of Detroit Lakes, and Rosie Putney of Bismarck, North Dakota; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin Alsleben; siblings Wally (Marilyn) Putney, Norman (Margie) Putney, Russell (Darlene) Putney, Robert Putney, Wayne (Juanita) Putney, Roger (Marie) Putney, Jack Putney, Dorothy (Sam) Stafne, and Lucy (Richard) Smykalski; sister-in-law Rosella Hanson and her husband, Vernon; and brothers-in-law Roy Alsleben, Ivan Alsleben, Earl Alsleben, Melvin Burmeister, Sam Prieve and William Sandman.
Arrangements were provided by the Dobratz-Hantge Chapels in Hutchinson, www.hantge.com.
(0625 F)