Mae Luella Lund

Mae L. Lund, age 90, died on Monday, February 7, 2011 in the Friendship Circle, a caring and loving community at the Skaalen Nursing Home in Stoughton.   From her birth in Hastings, ND on May 15, 1920 to her death on Monday she nourished people around her with love, faith, and music.   She was born on a farm near Hastings, ND to Anna and Henning Stoneberg and was the third child of four children.   By the age of five, Mae started playing the piano and by the age of 15 she taught piano.   She continued playing the piano for 85 years. After graduating from high school as the valedictorian, she attended the North Dakota Teacher's College in Valley City.   Following her training, she began her career teaching elementary students in Fromberg, MT.   In 1942, Mae returned to school at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN to complete a B.A. degree with a major in English and a minor in Music.   Two years later she taught high school English in McVille, ND.   It was Mae's dimples and her devotion to God that attracted Willard Lund to her in 1942 at Concordia College.   Mae and Willard married on September 15, 1946 in Hastings.   Following Willard's ordination into the ministry, Mae and Willard served a number of congregations during their life together: first in Williston, ND; then Milwaukee, WI; then Chicago, IL; Janesville, WI; Madison, WI, and McFarland, WI. Left to honor Mae and remember her love are Willard, her devoted husband for 64 years; Mae's five children, Sharon (Bob), Jan (Rob), Steve (Kelly), Dave, and Marcia; Mae's five grandchildren; Courtney (Craig), Marcel (Izumi), Jesse (Katherine), Christopher, and Joe; three great-grandchildren: Emerson, Isabel, and Nash; Mae's sister, Rose (Rob); and many nieces and nephews.   Mae is preceded in death by her parents, brother Hubert, and sister, Ethel.   Mae will be remembered as a bright, shining light in various communities -- in the churches she served; as Youth Director at Grace Lutheran in Eau Claire, WI; in the teaching she did, in her day-to-day family interactions; neighborhood events; Bible study groups; as a choir director; and as a piano player in the Friendship Circle.   Mae played tunes from the 1920s and 30s, hymns, and classical pieces on the piano with such flair and fun that it was impossible not to join in singing or simply listening to the music.  As a piano teacher she drew the best music out of her students, magically at times.   Most of all her life and her words told the story of God's love.   Through her faith in Christ she encouraged others to grow spiritually and to love unconditionally.   The Lund family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at the Skaalen Nursing Home in Stoughton, specifically those in the Friendship Circle for their attentiveness and loving care.   Mae lived gracefully and died gracefully. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 11:00 am at McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Rd.   Burial will follow at Lower McFarland Cemetery.   The family will greet friends at church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mae's name to McFarland Lutheran Church.