Mary Goertz died Tuesday, April 21. 2026, at the Reflections Care Center in Northfield, Minnesota at the age of 101. A lifelong resident of the Northfield area, she witnessed a century of profound change with grace, love, and a cheerful heart. Mary began her working career at Malt-O-Meal, then served at the counter at Quality Bakery for several years before hiring on at the Montgomery Ward store in Northfield where she worked for many years. Vibrant and adventurous she became a snowbird after retirement, wintering for 30 years in Bonita Springs, Florida.
She is survived by her five children, Jane Skluzacek (Jerry), Judy Clements, Jim Peroutka, Larry Peroutka, and Shirley Peroutka (Ron Riegert); her nine grandchildren, Lisa Skluzacek, Steve Skluzacek, Aaron Clements, Brent Clements, Cody Peroutka, Josh Dale, Tristan Peroutka-Bigus, Nathan Peroutka-Bigus, and Alex Peroutka-Barcia; five great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many devoted friends both in Northfield and Florida. She is predeceased by her three sisters (Laura Finger, Eula Trip, Verna Haines) and five brothers (Everette Hamann, Lester Hamann, Maynard Hamann, Milton Hamann, Kenneth Hamann) and her long-term loving partner Ed Miller as well as former husbands Joe Peroutka, Eon Tufte and Ervin Goertz. Mary was cherished by all who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Northfield, Minnesota, on Friday June 5th, 10:00am-11:00am visitation, 11:00am memorial service followed by a casual lunch at the church.
