Mary Lee Dinnies, 87, passed away on Wednesday evening, May 22, 2019 at Indianhead Medical Center in Shell Lake. She was born December 24, 1931 in Shell Lake to Earl and Jennie (Braun) Lund. She graduated in 1949 as Valedictorian and a letterman in cheerleading from Shell Lake High School. She then attended Hamline University where Mary was always proud of being one of the first group to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing in 1953. Mary worked as a Registered Nurse for several years with Kaiser in San Francisco, CA then onto Children’s Hospital in Chicago before moving back to Shell Lake. It’s at this time, she met her husband to be, while waiting for the “400” train from Chicago to Minneapolis. She was then married to Donn Richard Dinnies in Shell Lake, on July 2,1955. They were married for nearly 65 years. Mary Lee was a longtime member of both the American Legion Auxiliary and Shell Lake Hospital Auxiliary. She was a long time volunteer for the American Red Cross organizing countless blood drives for Shell Lake. Mary was a lifetime member of this United Methodist Church and served on numerous committees throughout the years. Mary was a frustrated athlete and always wanted to be a Rockette. She was an avid golfer and enjoyed golfing well into her 80's. She formed many friends during her golf tenure. Mary was the consummate entertainer of both friends and family and was known for her strawberry pies and cocktails.

She is survived by her loving husband, Donn; 2 daughters: Jane (Steve) Byrd of Chippewa Falls and Diann (Bradford) Armitage of Hopkins, MN; her son, Jonn (Barbara) Dinnies of Luck; grandchildren: Michael, Erik, Austin, Katelyn, Ben, Matt and Samantha; her great granddaughter, Amelia.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Shell Lake United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Miller officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service . Luncheon will follow the service. Memorials in lieu of flowers to the Shell Lake Arts Center.

Skinner Funeral Home of Shell Lake is serving the family.

Last Update: May 29, 2019 10:06 am CDT