Mary Ellen Huebner, age 87, of Byron, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on October 8, 2025.

Mary was born on March 1, 1938, in New Hampton, Iowa, to Abraham and Bertha (Hughbanks) Goebel. She graduated from New Hampton High School in 1956 and went on to attend the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She dedicated many years to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Schoitz Medical Center in Waterloo.

In 1958, Mary was united in marriage to Roger Huebner. After Roger's passing in 1991, she moved to Byron, Minnesota, to help care for her grandchildren, while they were still in school and then took care of her daughter, Susan Blake, once Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her years in Byron, Mary became a beloved member of the community, serving lunches at Byron Schools and being a devoted caregiver and "chief babysitter" to her grandchildren.

Mary had a zest for life and a love for the simple joys—gardening, camping, garage and estate sales, and dining out. She loved traveling, especially to Alaska, Mexico, and Branson, and she adored spending time with her family during the holidays. She loved spending time with her great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Roxy. Mary loved old time polka music and in her younger years she loved to dance.

Known affectionately by many as "Grandma," Mary was strong-willed, down-to-earth, and easygoing. She had a gift for taking care of others and was a loving presence in the lives of many.

Mary is survived by her sons: William (Teri) Huebner of Rosemount, MN; Jeff Huebner of Red Wing, MN; and David Huebner of Byron, MN. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Megan (Nate) Fuchs of Rochester, MN; Aaron (Katie) Blake of Kasson, MN; Adam Blake of Owatonna, MN; Ben (Breanna) Huebner of Rush City, MN; Kayla Huebner of Red Wing, MN and her great-grandsons, Carter and Oliver Fuchs.

She is also survived by her siblings: Alyce Jane Murphy of Hiawatha, IA; Ervin (Deb) Goebel of Brainerd, MN; Ralph (Mary) Goebel of Ames, IA; Kenneth (Kathy) Goebel of New Hampton, IA; Arnold (Carol) Goebel of Urbana, IA; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; her daughter, Susan Blake; and ten siblings.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025 , at Byron Funeral Home , 1620 Voll Dr., Byron, MN 55920. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester, MN.