Mary Jo Groehler

Hello, everyone. Mary Jo (Rodwell) Groehler - our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend - passed away the morning of October 6, 2021.

Mom was diagnosed in August 2021 with stage IV lung cancer that metastasized to her bones (shoulder, neck, spine and pelvis) and brain.

As so many of you would expect from Mary Jo, she was aware of her circumstances and directly engaged in her health decisions. Mom requested hospice care, in line with her health care directive, in Park Rapids, which started August 14, 2021.

When she heard the news, she reminded us on a care conference call of the Serenity Prayer, one that she has quoted often over her 68 years:

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

We are extremely grateful for the hospice services and staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital, plus the exceptional staff at Crystal Brook, where Mom lived in an assisted-living apartment since November 2019.

Memorial service details will be shared at a later date.

Thank you for your prayers, good wishes, and strength that helped send Mary Jo along on her journey to the next place. She is no longer in pain and is at peace.

Thank you. We love you all.

Kelly and Brandt