Mae Doreen Blood, 95, of Owatonna, died Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna.

She was born March 7, 1928 in Marion, South Dakota the daughter of Robert and Zola (Butterfield) Graber. She graduated from Marion High School in South Dakota and completed her education in music at Minneapolis College of Music. On March 10, 1951, she was united in marriage to Lewis "Lewie" Blood in Claremont, MN. The couple made their home in Owatonna where they raised their family.

Although Mae was primarily a wife and mother, she also worked outside the home teaching English and music in Claremont, working at Jostens in Owatonna, teaching band at Marion High School in Owatonna and taught piano and organ lessons out of her home.

Music was her passion. She was director of music for the Little Theatre of Owatonna where she also played piano for many musicals. She also played for numerous funerals and weddings, filled in as the organist in many churches and accompanied Owatonna High School choral groups.

She faithfully attended Associated Church, was involved in Beta Sigma Phi (an international women's organization) and loved to travel, making several trips to Europe.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Michelle Vikre of Mankato, Jean (Jon) Teeslink of North Mankato and Scott (Brenda) Blood of Owatonna; grandchildren, John Teeslink of Apple Valley, Braxten Blood of Rochester and Morgan Blood of Omaha and a brother, Cecil (Susan) Graber of Denver.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Zola; husband, Lewie; son-in-law, David Vikre and brother, Maurice (Hazel) Graber.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna with visitation one hour prior. A lunch reception will immediately follow the service at the funeral home and then burial in Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Clinton Falls Township.

Memorials preferred to Little Theatre of Owatonna or donor's choice.