Mary Ellen Gumeringer, 83, of Esmond, North Dakota passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at the Villa Maria Nursing home in Fargo surrounded by her family as they reminded her of the wonderful things she did in her life.  She was comforted by the wonderful staff of the Villa Maria and Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am Monday, January 20th, 2014 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond, ND with Fr. Brian Bachmeier, celebrant. Visitation Sunday from 5 to 7pm with a 7:00 PM Rosary followed by a 7:30 PM Parish Vigil all in the church.

Mary Ellen was born to Vivian and Loretta (Arens) Donahue in Bowbells, ND on September 14, 1930. She was raised on the family farm in Flaxton, ND.  She attended school in Flaxton and graduated high school from St. Mary's Academy in Devils Lake, ND. Mary Ellen then worked at the County Superintendent Office in Bowbells, ND. This job helped her pay for her degree at Minot State College in Elementary Education.

On July 25, 1955 she married Edward B. Gumeringer in Bowbells, ND and then moved to Esmond, ND and together they raised their six children on the family farm. She was always busy baking apple pies, fresh bread & buns and meals for anyone who happened to drive in the yard.

Mary Ellen taught 4th and 5th grade and high school physical education in Columbus, ND, and 5th grade in Mohall, ND. She substituted in Harvey, Rugby, Maddock and Esmond, ND. She taught in Fillmore for three years. She was hired on at the Esmond Public School as a third grade teacher and then to Basic Skills Education Department. She was a substitute teacher in Maddock, ND for several years. Mary Ellen stopped subbing at 80 years old after teaching for 58 years.

Mary Ellen was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church Christian Mothers, Esmond VFW Auxiliary, Retired Teachers Group and the National Education Association. She spent many hours in her sewing room making clothes, mittens, quilts, seed bags, purse dividers, bears and bunnies. She enjoyed making things for people. She sewed dresses for children in Africa out of pillowcases with Arlene Hoffner, blankets for Veterans and one year she sewed mittens for every child in the elementary school in Esmond. Her other hobbies included crocheting, quilting, reading and bingo with her friends. She spent many hours baking with her grandchildren and making crafts with them.

Survivors include her daughter, Janie (Brad) Lee, Park Rapids, MN; Gary Gumeringer, Esmond, ND; Lorrie (Jerry) Thoemke, Fargo, ND; Guy Gumeringer, Esmond, ND; Connie (Todd) Koenig, Roseau, MN; Paul (Jessica) Gumeringer, Roseau, MN. She is survived by eleven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Siblings are Dolores Grasser, Henderson, NV; Bernadine (Louis) Sather, Glasgow¸ MT. Raymond (Marge) Donahue, Lignite, ND.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian and Loretta Donahue, husband Edward B. Gumeringer, grandson Theodore James "TJ" Lee and nephew Mark Grasser.



Condolences:

I was a student that Mary Ellen taught as a substitute teacher. She was a wonderful woman who had a way with every student.  We were always glad to see her when we entered a classroom.  I remember her sharing a program from another person's funeral and telling me about it because they called it a celebration of life instead of a funeral and she loved how positive the ceremony was even in such tragedy.  I hope her Celebration of Life is all she wished it to be.   My condolences go out to her family! The world has lost a wonderful person who brought out the best in people. She will be missed. Carla Arndt(Buckingham)



To the Gumeringer Families, Sorry about your loss - my prayers are with you - God Bless – PAL



Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Bobby



Mary and Ed were such fabulous neighbors. They were always there if someone was in need. Mary will truly be missed but never forgotten. We are out of state for the winter and will be unable to make it back home for the service.  You are all in our thoughts.  Love and prayers.  Jerry and Linda



Condolences to the whole Gumeringer family.  Mary Ellen was a wonderful lady. Will always remember our visits to the farm.  She loved her family so much, and was always teaching those grandchildren something.  Rest in Peace Mary Ellen! Kim and Brenda Ankenbauer



To My Cousins:  I was sorry to hear of Aunt Mary Ellen's death.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.  May your pleasant memories give you comfort during this time.  My deepest sympathy to you all.  Dianne