Mae Geer of Middle River, MN, 88 years, 7 months and 25 days, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at LifeCare Greenbush Manor, Greenbush, MN. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, MN with Pastor Ollie Urdahl officiating. Burial will be held at First Lutheran Cemetery at Middle River, MN. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015, from 5pm - 8pm with a 7:00pm prayer service at First Lutheran Church in Middle River and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, Mae suggested giving memorials to First Lutheran Church in Middle River. Mae Audrey Sandlan was born May 26, 1926 at Piney, Manitoba, Canada, the daughter of Henry and Inga (Torkelson) Sandlan. The family moved to Derrick, ND where she attended grade school and one year of high school at Edmore, ND. She decided she wouldn't go anymore, but after she was married, she made it a goal to get her diploma before her oldest child graduated from high school. She enrolled in the American School at Chicago, Illinois, and attended three years through a correspondence course, earning her diploma in November of 1965, shortly before Danny graduated from high school in 1966. Mae met her future husband Roy when she was at school in Edmore. He was the depot agent at Derrick, ND. Her brother, Sonny, had come into town to pick Mae up for the weekend and Roy was with him, so he introduced the couple. On July 4, 1944 Roy asked Mae to marry him, giving her a ring and a promise. Wedding plans were being made for June. However, they were delayed by a terrible car accident. Roy was seriously injured with a broken pelvis and had to learn to walk again. Mae was unconscious for nine days, but was hospitalized for much longer. In spite of the accident, Roy and Mae were married on July 27, 1946 and the couple made their home in Cando, ND. During the 35 years that Roy worked for the Great Northern/Burlington Northern they moved 29 times in their 31 years of marriage. To this union three children were born. Roy passed away in 1977. Mae continued to reside in the same home, and made many improvements to the house and yard. Mae dated Joe Bukowski for 35 years. He was her chauffeur, her companion and friend. Though they never married, they traveled most of the United States together, as well as attended all family functions. Joe became a "fixture" in the family, and was called "Happy Joe" by the grandkids! A woman who loved to work, Mae had many jobs through the years. She worked at Land O' Lakes Turkey Plant, owned the Rex Cafe in Middle River for a time, was a seamstress at Arctic Cat, waitressed at the American Legion in Middle River, and did custom sewing and alteration. She was a great lefse maker and sold to many families and stores in the area. Mae also sold Modern Woodman Insurance, Shaklee and Raleigh products. In her spare time, Mae enjoyed crocheting, sewing, quilting, woodworking, and puzzles. People have always been important to Mae. She had the largest address book in town. Whether you had known her for five minutes or five decades, she would be your friend and would stay in touch. Mae enjoyed visiting friends at nursing homes, hospitals and around town, always bringing with her homemade treats. Mae loved all kinds of animals. She lived for her yardmowing every couple of days, raking the excess grass and raising vegetables and flowers in her many weed-free gardens. Not a blade of grass was uneven! There wasn't a sunny day that Mae didn't spend outside. She received the Beautification Award from the Middle River Community Club. She was also selected Middle River's Outstanding Senior Citizen in 1997. Mae was extremely active in her community and church, being a member of the Auxiliary Unit 444, Senior Citizens, The Happy Holt Homemakers, First Lutheran Church and the Women of the ELCA, First Lutheran Quilters, and the Middle River Community Club. She even starred in a Middle River Community Theatre production, "The Crazy Quilt Club," and stole the show! Mae was also a volunteer for the Living at Home/Block Nurse Program, driving other Seniors to doctor appointments and shopping trips. She also cared for home bound residents and visited shut-ins. Such a supportive, active, and energetic spirit will truly be missed by so many! She is survived by her three children: Danny Lee Geer of Middle River, MN; Terrye (Jerry) Forst Succo of Shafer, MN; and Tonie (Randy) Black of Tenstrike, MN; special daughter-in-law Barb Geer of Middle River, MN; Grandchildren: Gary (Suzi) Forst, Greg (Carla) Forst, David Black, Josh (Shannon) Black, Jedediah (Nicole) Geer, Brianna (Jesse) Helm, Blayne (Amber) Black: Great-grandchildren; Karsen Kasal, Henry and Ellie Forst; Lee and Samantha Forst; Nathan Hill, Randall, Triston, Jared, Mae Audrey Black and Anthony Hernandez; Cypress, Catalina and baby Lucian Black; Chase, Karissa and Adria Geer; Malayna Wahl, Sherman Geer and Zoey Helm; Anna Maria, Brewster, Augie, Navy, Phoenix and Sirius Black: Sister Edith Larson of Lakota, ND; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mae is preceded in death by her parents, husband Roy, special friend Joe, Grandchildren Sarah Mae Geer and Dustin Black; Sons-in-law Gene Forst and Daniel Linder; Siblings Kenneth, Earl, Daisy, Lila, Norma Sheldon, Della Mack, baby Kay, and Leonard (Sonny). Special Words of Wisdom (heard often) from the Mouth of Mae Geer: "It wasn't cheap either!" "Let's make a game of it!" "Do you have enough gas?" "You know" "Are my five minutes up yet?" "What if you had a white shirt on?!?" "Never go to bed angry!" "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!" "Think good!" and "Be good!" (to Danny!) and to all. "Love you, Love you, Love you".