Maurice “Maury” Woelfel
Maurice “Maury” Woelfel, age 92, of Bird Island died Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, April 18 at 1:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island with Rev. George Schmit as celebrant. Burial is in the church cemetery. Visitation is Monday, April 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Olivia with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to St. Mary’s School.
Maurice Edward Woelfel was born September 1, 1930 to Edward and Viola (Kramer) Woelfel in Kintire Township, Redwood County, at their family home. He was the oldest of 16 children. Maurice was united in marriage to Eileen Bauman on October 14, 1953 and they made their home in Bird Island where they raised their seven children. Together they enjoyed couples dances especially the polka and playing pinochle and gin rummy with their card club. They were faithful members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he ushered and counted money. Maury owned and operated M&W Auto Clinic before retiring in the late 90’s. Upon his retirement, Eileen and Maury enjoyed 15 years of wintering in Arizona. Being active in his community was very important to him; he served as the Mayor of Bird Island and on the city council as well as being involved with the fire department, Lions club, and Knights of Columbus. He also volunteered his time at Polka Fest and grilling for the Renville County Fair work nights. Maury took many trips to Northern Minnesota ice fishing. He had a love of sports, his favorites being baseball, bowling, and golf. Grilling was a passion of his; before pellet grills were popular, he had perfected the art of using different woods to enhance the flavor of the meats that he cooked. He will be remembered for sharing his time and talents with his family, friends, and community.
Maurice is survived by his seven children and their spouses: Dick Woelfel of Bird Island, Denis (and Lorelei) Woelfel of Garden Grove, CA, Doug (and Karen) Woelfel of Mankato, Laura (and Kelly) McDonald of Sun City, AZ, Julie (and Rick) Sander of Bird Island, Tim (and Heidi) Woelfel of Bird Island, and Bill (and Joy) Woelfel of New London; his 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Lawrence (and Eleanor) Woelfel, LeRoy Woelfel, Cyril (and Connie) Woelfel, Clayton (and Vicki) Woelfel, Phyllis (and Tom) Clardy, Terrence (and Marlys) Woelfel, Mike (and Rosemary) Woelfel, and Joyce Tatge; and his sister-in-law, JoAnn Woelfel. Maurice was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eileen; his grandson, Tyler; his daughter-in-law, Mary; his siblings: Edward, Vernon, Mildred Folsom, Martha Waters, Katherine Johnson, Nicholas, and Theodore.
Blessed Be His Memory
Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN
