Mary Banker

Mary F. Banker, age 85 of Wadena, formerly of Melrose, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at The Meadows of Wadena in Wadena, Minnesota after a battle with dementia.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Mitchell Bechtold officiating with Deacon Randy Altstadt and Deacon Ernie Kociemba assisting. Inurnment will be held at the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Mary was born on April 10, 1941 at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota to George and Arleen (Walker) Banker. She was the oldest of four children. After graduating from Minnetonka High School in 1959, Mary attended St. Cloud State University, where she earned her degree in English education.

Mary devoted her career to teaching seventh and eighth grade English in Melrose, Minnesota. Following her retirement, she continued to share her love of learning by volunteering for several years at St. Mary's Catholic School in Melrose. She was also an active volunteer at St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she taught RCIA and assisted with many parish activities. In addition, Mary taught English as a Second Language and generously volunteered her time driving people to medical appointments.

Mary was an enthusiastic reader who often had three books going at once. She found great joy in planting and caring for her flowers and was a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, saving newspaper articles and stories about her favorite team. She also loved watching movies, especially seeing them in the theater, and enjoyed traveling and spending time visiting friends.

Mary is survived by her two siblings, George and Barbara.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Kenneth Banker.

Mary will be greatly missed and remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Catholic School.