Mary M. Zolnowsky, 85, of Waseca formerly Owatonna, died Monday, June 1, 2009 at Lake Shore Inn Nursing Home where she had been a resident for nearly three years. Mary was born on October 20, 1923 in Owatonna the daughter of Adolph and Mary (Fisher) Skalicky, the fourth of four children. She attended St. Mary''s Academy and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1941. In February of 1944 she married Lloyd Zolnowsky. Together they raised three children and farmed northeast of Owatonna before moving into town in 1971. They shared a joy of music and life with Owatonna and surrounding area. Mary worked as a Nurses Aide at the Owatonna City Hospital, Activity Director at Owatonna Nursing Home, and Manager of The Kinyon Residence. She was also a role model in 'giving back' to her community. She assisted in organizing the Du Cum Extension Club, St. Girard Rosary Circle at Sacred Heart Church, the adult program at the Day Activity Center, and served on the 130th Anniversary Celebration Committee of Sacred Heart Church. She taught CCD classes for 15 years and taught an ecumenical religion class for students with special needs. Mary also was instrumental in moving Steele County from a 'privately owned unequipped with untrained crew ambulance service' to having a legitimate ambulance service with county oversight. Lloyd''s band, The Czech Mates, hardly ever gave a performance without Mary being present and she was visible at area nursing homes for many years with her 'Mary Z. Remembers' programs. She also had a show on KRFO Radio for the elderly and shut-ins. Despite all these activities, there was always time to visit, cook, do embroidery and crochet. In 1977 Mary received the Sertoma 'Service to Mankind' Award. Mary is survived by her husband of 65 years, Lloyd, a daughter, JoAnn Kaplan of Decorah Iowa, and two sons; Darrell (Mick) of Medford, and Michael of Coplay, PA., one sister, Alice Mittelstadt and one sister-in-law, Alice(George) Skalicky. She also leaves five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and one sister. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, June 4, 2009 from 5-8 PM and one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 5, 2009 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Reverend John Sauer officiating. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation: 06/04/2009 17:00 06/04/2009 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 06/05/2009 10:30