Mary Ellen Cansler

Mary Ellen (Anderson) Cansler began her life's journey Oct 2, 1923, in Goodson, Missouri. It ended May 19, 2008, in her residence, Mankato, Minnesota. No flowers please. She enjoyed flowers during her life. Instead, memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice.

Reception is from 2 " 3:30 pm followed by a memorial service at 3:30 pm on Sunday, June 8th at the First Congregational Church UCC, 150 Stadium Road, Mankato, MN.

Mary's childhood and adolescence were spent on a farm near Buffalo, MO, during the great drought and depression. After graduating from Buffalo High School in 1941, she attended Southwest Baptist College where she received a teaching certificate and began teaching at a one room country school. This experience ignited a love for children and of teaching which culminated in earning Bachelor and Master degrees from Mankato State College. After teaching kindergarten and first grade children for three decades, she retired from the Mankato Public Schools in 1989.

She married Gleamon Merf Cansler, a high school classmate, September, 13, 1942. She endured many hardships during his military service and pursuit of a Doctorate degree.
Her selfless devotion to him and her two sons required postponement of her college education, but not her creativity and interest in many activities.

She is survived by her husband, Merf; sons Byron and wife De of Rochester, MN, and Aaron of Milwaukee, WI; four grand children: Brett, Glen, Aric and Chad; brother Lyndell Anderson, Kansas City, MO; four nieces and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and baby sister, two brothers, and a daughter-in-law.