A photo will be posted when available.

Mary Jo Wallace bravely relinquished her four-month battle on March 10th, 2025 from complications caused by an unbeknownst reinfection of her heart (endocarditis). Passing at the age of 65 in the St. Mary’s Hospital (Mayo Clinic) in Rochester, MN. The very hospital that saved her life from her first battle with sepsis and endocarditis in 2020; blessing her family with a few more precious years of life.

On April 23rd, 1959 Patricia Lies gave birth to her lifelong best friend and daughter, Mary Jo Lies. Someone who the world would soon realize as a life force to be reckoned with – hence her being so special she didn’t need a middle name. LeRoy joined the dynamic duo around 1964, thus turning them into a Krueger trio in 1965. Growing up in New Rockford, ND, Mary Jo attended school at the St. James Academy and New Rockford High School, graduating in 1977. Legend says if you ask a few of her dear classmates, beloved family members and childhood friends, they will let you know she was the life of the party and tell many tales of her adventures. After graduation she went on to get her cosmetology license.

Mary Jo gave birth to her first problem child, Xanthe Morgan in October 1981. Soon followed by the second problem child and right-hand gardener, Jenna Marie, in July 1983. Then in August 1984 she was blessed with her favorite son, Shane Lee Patrick. In July 1988 she was united in marriage to Clark Wallace and moved out to the farm. Somewhat shortly after, she gave birth to their rainbow child, and worst nightmare of them all, Taryn Louise in May 1990. Following suit like her own mother, all of her children were her best friends.

After many years working as a CNA, alongside her daughter Xanthe, Mary Jo made the decision to get her LPN degree and nursing license. Completing this feat while Taryn was still in school. She worked as a nurse with residents and fellow nurses she loved dearly until she had to hang up her stethoscope due to needing to medically retire. Soon that was proven to be a blessing because she was able to take care of her mother until her passing.

Mary Jo loved all things nature and intellect. Whether it be gardening, getting a little tan, swimming, and skiing. Time spent out in the field jamming to music and raking hay, with many of her furry canine friends in tow throughout the years, for the cattle she loved to work with or letting her spirit soar while riding horseback. She was a talented cook/food scientist, an avid reader, artist, musician (a seasoned one of the little German Band) and organist, sewist and textile crafter. A selfless caretaker of both human and furry loved ones. She was known to have a drink or two and anyone that joined her was in for a hoot of a time, especially during her era of bartending at Hanson’s Bar. Finally, a friend to most that were lucky enough to have met her.

Mary Jo was stoic to an unfortunate default, intelligent, upfront, kind hearted but ornery, a best friend, mother and grandmother, creative, selfless and a vivacious spirit. She was quick witted, humorous, and strong, even up until her untimely death. Surpassing all the Mayo Clinic staff expectations of her demeanor when comparing her health status to her various medical testing, health screenings and scan results. 

Mary Jo is survived by her father, LeRoy Krueger; children, Xanthe Morgan, Jenna Angelbrandt, Shane Wallace, Taryn Wallace and her special little chihuahua daughter, Wolfie; uncles, Robert “Robbie” (Margie) Lies, and aunts, Shirley (John) Mayer, JoAnn (Barry) McNett, Judy Bartlett, Veronica “Bunny” Lively and Susan Vanderhyde, all whom gladly call her an honorary sister; uncles, Vernon Krueger and Ronnie (Dorothy) Krueger; eight grandchildren that she loved dearly, Zander, Ryder, Addison, Andrew, Kylee, Khloe, Bryce, and Easton; Judy Hann and Family; Philip (Sharon) Wallace and Family; Clark Wallace and many special family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandmother and second mother, Anna Mary “Grandma Mary” Lies; mother, Patricia “Pat” Krueger (whom we are sure welcomed her with open arms in heaven); uncles, Dean “Jack” Lies, Hubert “Bud” Lies, Mayo Lies, Keith Bartlett, and Richard Lively; aunt, Ramona “Monie” Klocke and honorary aunt, Carol Lies; and her birthday twin cousin, Daniel “Danny” Lies.

The family would like to thank the individuals that provided other worldly compassionate care to her during her times of illness. Starting with home health (you know who you are); nurse Reuben (like the sandwich), Dr. Vitaly Starosta, and Dr. Christopher Pribula all at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND; all the amazing medical staff at the Mayo Clinic, especially Dr. Gabor Bagameri (or Dr. Bergamont according to MJ), the surgeon who did the complex eight-hour lifesaving operation of her infection debridement and reconstruction of her heart in 2020. 

In lieu of flowers (she wasn’t fond of flowers that were no longer growing) please send potted plants, seed packets or sprout lings of your favorite garden produce, crack a cold one with a loved one, and share any special memories with the family that you have of Mary Jo.

Many have shared the positive impact she has left with them. She will truly be missed by all that have crossed paths with her during her life.

Mary Jo’s Visitation will be Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 4:00-5:30PM with family present and a Rosary at 5:30PM and Vigil Service at 6:00PM all at Evans Funeral Home in New Rockford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 20, at 11:00AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, New Rockford.

Her Burial will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford.