Mary J. Weberg

Loved and mourned by many for her selfless devotion to others and her passionate commitment to feeding the hungry in Jesus’ name, Mary Jane (Schlichting) Weberg, age 75, of Red Wing, Minn., died peacefully at home of ovarian cancer on Dec. 27, 2025.

She was born in Red Wing in 1950 to Harry and Eleanore (Gerken) Schlichting and grew up near Diamond Bluff, Wis., on the backwaters of the Mississippi, where she helped her parents with the chores of country life and played with her sisters and cousins.

Mary graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1968 and continued her education at St. Cloud State University. She worked as a nurse before beginning her longtime career as a special education teacher. Mary enjoyed teaching children with disabilities and was respected by families and colleagues for her caring, calm dedication to her work. She continued to substitute teach for years following her retirement.

In 1972, Mary was united in marriage to Dale Weberg. They built their first house in Buffalo, Minn., where they welcomed their first child, Kristina. Mary and Dale rejoiced in the birth of their son, Matthew, after returning to Red Wing to be closer to family. Mary supported her children in their school and sports activities and worked hard to give them the swimming and music lessons she never had. Above all, she loved her children with unconditional love. As “Oma,” she adored her grandchildren and lavished praise on all their efforts.

Mary valued the beauty of creation and sought to share that beauty with others through her gardens and her home. She established glorious flower gardens around the century-old home in Red Wing which Mary and Dale restored together. Mary and Dale adorned the rooms with fine antique furniture and historically accurate decor. After 42 years of marriage, Dale passed away in 2014.

Mary worked to be God’s hands and feet in her community, and her spirit of service touched many lives. At First Lutheran Church, Mary helped establish the Goodhue County Christmas Project and continued to serve needy families for over 40 years. She volunteered with the Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, Faith in Action, PEO, the Sheldon Theatre, and other organizations.

Mary ventured into travel during her retirement, taking memorable trips at home and abroad with her family and friends. Her sisters have been lifelong friends, sharers in her interests, and supporters during life’s trials. Mary also was blessed with precious friendships, some stretching back to high school, as well as strong bonds made through her work, church, and community service. Mary’s friends and family have been sources of great comfort and support during her illness.

In recent years, Mary’s friendship with Dave Watson grew into companionship and a shared commitment to each other’s happiness. She traveled to hear his bands play, and they traveled together to relax on the beaches of Mexico. Dave became her partner and cared for her devotedly during her illness.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Weberg; her sister, Kathleen O’Kelley; and her parents.

She is survived by her partner, Dave Watson; her daughter, Kristina (Scott) Alton of Red Wing; her son, Matthew (Amanda) Weberg of Grand Marais, Minn.; her grandchildren, Bern and Silje Alton and Odin Weberg; her sisters, Jean Feehan, Rita Harris, and Joan Schlichting; nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 16, at First Lutheran Church, 615 W. 5th St., Red Wing, with Reverend Quinlan Koch officiating and lunch to follow. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, and for one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to one of the causes Mary championed.