Mary (Thramer) Philp

Mary was born on July 17, 1941, in Grand Rapids, MN, to Clifford and Celia Thramer. She spent her early childhood in Remer until the age of eight, when the family moved to southern Minnesota. Mary attended school in Ellendale and New Richland, and graduated from Waseca High School in 1959.

Later that year, she moved to Minneapolis and attended the Minnesota School of Business. On January 12, 1963, she married Genne Philp. They made their home in Minneapolis until moving to Rogers in 1971, and later to Boy River in 1987. After their divorce in 2004, Mary settled in St. Francis, MN.  She worked at Mercy Hospital for 12½ years and took great pride in her work and the people she met there.

Preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Charles, Jim, and Rick. Survived by her children, Deb, Barb (Brooks), Jim (Tiffany), Diane (Denny), and Dennis (Kari); Grandchildren, Jennifer, Kara, Rachel, Jake, Macayla, Ryan, Samantha, Savannah, Marshall, Kaden; Great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Faith, Brooke, Brinley, Grayson, Levi, and another on the way in April.  Step-grandchildren include: Delaney & Iris, Bella, and Gabe.  

Mary loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren. She enjoyed painting and crafting, and she especially loved sharing laughter — including the kind that came from her famously mischievous sense of humor.  Her joy, warmth, and playfulness will be deeply missed. 

She would want us to be comforted in knowing she is now rejoicing in Heaven with her Lord and Savior. 

A Celebration of Mary’s life will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Dare’s Funeral Home, 805 Main St NW, Elk River, with visitation starting at 1:00 PM.

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