Mary Jo Raske, age 88 of Apple Valley, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2022. Mary Jo was born in Renville, MN on December 7, 1933 to Joseph and Effie Haen. She grew up on the family farm and was active in FFA. Mary Jo graduated from Renville High School in 1951 where she was a cheerleader, in the marching band, and a part of high school plays. Following graduation, Mary Jo attended St. Cloud State Teachers College and began her 30+ year career in the elementary classroom in 1953. She taught in Glencoe, Robbinsdale, and at St. Joseph's Catholic School in Rosemount, MN. Mary Jo loved to travel in her early days and carried that into her golden years as she and Dean, her beloved husband of 60+ years, spent their winters in South Texas, where she continued her lifelong love of being in the sun. Mary Jo was a loving and active mother and grandmother, rarely missing any of her children's and grandchildren's sporting/special events. She hosted her grandchildren for a couple weeks each summer, starting with her oldest grandchildren from St. Louis, MO, and later hosting "Cousin's Camp" for her younger grandchildren. The memories made and the relationships forged during these summer days are part of her rich legacy. Mary Jo is preceded in death by her husband, Dean; son, Bradley and infant son, Joseph; parents, and brothers, Dale (Jackie) and Philip Haen. Mary Jo is survived by children, Teri (Mark) Wetzel, Jeffrey (Lori) and Neal (Gina); daughter-in-law, Kelly Raske; 12 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren, brother; Charles (Joanne), and other dear family and friends. On Tuesday, May 3, 2022, a gathering of family and friends will begin at 10AM, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM at Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 Co. Rd. 42., Burnsville. Interment will follow at 1:30PM at Lebanon Cemetery, Apple Valley.

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