Mary L. (Rusert) Thorne

Mary L. (Rusert) Thorne, age 97, of Winona, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Lake Winona Manor.

She was born on February 19, 1928, in Minnesota City, MN, to Edward and Isabelle (Feil) Kohner. Mary graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Rollingstone in 1945, and from the Winona Secretarial College in 1946.

Mary was united in marriage with Donald H. Rusert on March 9, 1952, and he preceded her in death on September 21, 1975. She later married Lewis E. “Buster” Thorne, Jr., on September 11, 1981, and he preceded her in death on May 28, 2009.

She was employed as a waitress at the Oaks Supper Cub; as a secretary with J.R. Watkins Company, Winona County Social Services, Winona National Bank, attorney Richard Darby, and at the Mountain View School in Helena, MT. Mary was employed for 20 years as the office manager and secretary for the International Program at Winona State University until her retirement in 2002.

Mary was an active member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. She was a born-again Christian, and to the best of her ability and the help of the Holy Spirit, continued to walk in the footsteps of the Lord. She is known and respected by people from numerous foreign countries as a result of her kindness shown to them and their families upon their arrival at Winona State and thereafter.

Mary’s pastimes included walking, reading, crafts of various kinds, card playing, roller-skating, ballroom dancing, and music of all kinds. Her favorite TV programs included those on EWTN, the Hallmark Channel, Twins baseball, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, The Price is Right, Fox News, and various talent shows.

Mary is survived by her children: Richard (Betty) Rusert, Deborah Rusert, Lori (Bill) Quandahl, and Karen Rusert; grandchildren: Theresa Rusert, Jason (Mandy) Rusert, Danica (Tim) Bossart, Jessica (Justin) Ostrowski, Jamie Speltz, Jacqueline (Gary) Bambenek, Nicole (Mike) Dennison, Corey Dahlstrom, Kirsten (Brandon) Hamman, and Misty Marie Rusert; great-grandchildren: Morgan (Makaela) Rusert, Tristan Rusert, Zander Rusert, Keegan Rusert, Raeann (Caleb) Forst, Riley Bossart, Reese Bossart, Brianna Swarting, Destiny Kuntz, William Reinhardt, Bailey Reinhardt, Hadlee Lindenberg, Grayson Dennison, Ava Ostrowski, Arianna Speltz, Quinn Speltz, Madilyn Dahlstrom, Noah Dahlstrom, Rosalie Dahlstrom, Chase Dahlstrom, and Hudson Kinkade; great-great-grandchildren: Lucas Rusert and Calvin Rusert; and a sister-in-law, Florence Kohner. She is also survived by step-children: Lewis (Marlene) Thorne, III, William (Fonda) Thorne, Paul (Janette) Thorne, Karl (Jennifer) Thorne, Karen Hermsmeyer, Kim Thorne, Kris Thorne, Kathy Hansen, and Konnie (Tim) Wilson; as well as numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Donald Rusert and Lewis “Buster” Thorne, Jr.; parents; son, Robert Rusert; grandson, Randon Rusert; sister, Clanette Kohner Gensmer; brothers: Cyrus, Bernard, Stanley, Elmer, and Arthur Kohner; step-son, Steve Thorne; and step-daughter, Bobby Lou Morin.

Visitation will be held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 9:30 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. The Reverend Michael Churchill will officiate. Mary will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Corey Dahlstrom, Zander Rusert, Keegan Rusert, Tristan Rusert, Reese Bossart, and Riley Bossart.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Mary’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.