Mary Ruth Genzler

Mary Genzler, 87, of Highmore, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital in Miller.

Per Mary’s request, she was cremated, and a private service will be held at a later date.

Mary Ruth Genzler was born to George and Hannah (Strauss) Genzler in Lebanon, SD, on June 8, 1938.  She was the 10^th of 12 Children. She attended School in Potter County, attending country school through the 8th grade.  After moving from her home, she lived in Ree Heights, SD, for a while until moving to Highmore, SD, after her first child was born. She was a loving mother to her four children: Jeff, Randy, Mark, and Amy.

She enjoyed cooking, and she made the best fried chicken and Gravy Dinners. She carried down the Traditional Grandma Hannah Genzler’s Goulash (Beans, Hamburger, and Ketchup) recipe served over buttered bread. She loved to bake from scratch; she made the BEST homemade cinnamon and caramel rolls, baked buns, and cookies. She loved to crochet and made many blankets. She also quilted blankets from scraps of material and made many of them as gifts for some. There were several local guys who would bring in wild game birds for her to clean for them, and they would share some with her and her family. She loved spending time with her family anytime she could. She loved being a grandma, great grandma, and great-great grandma to all of her grandchildren. The last job she had was at The Thunderbird Lanes in Highmore, SD, where she was a great cook. After moving out of her home, she moved into the Manor Apartments until she had to make the choice to move on July 15, 2021, to the Highmore Health Center in Highmore, SD, where she made her home until the end.

Left to Cherish her loving memories are her three Children and a daughter-in-law, Jeff (Veronica) Genzler of Clinton, MN, Randy Genzler of Yankton, SD, Amy Genzler of Sturgis, SD, and daughter-in-law, LaNett Genzler of Corsica, SD; 13 grandchildren: (Jeff’s) Lucasta Genzler, Tyson Genzler, Myles Genzler, and Talen Genzler; (Randy’s) Kayla, Austin Genzler, Nathan (Laura Gehringer) Genzler, Christian Genzler, Jaxon Genzler, and Addison Genzler; (Mark’s) Amanda Genzler, and Sasha Genzler and Jay (fiancé Hailey Bell) Genzler; 13 great grandchildren: (Jeff’s) Jada (Michael) Henderson-Zenk, Lincoln Schlosser, Triniti Genzler, Dallas Genzler, Braxton Genzler, and Lane Genzler; (Randy’s) Raven Richard, Phoenix Richard, Xander Bryant, Evelyn Genzler, and Teddy Genzler; (Mark’s) Breanna Genzler, Miyah Genzler, and Baby Due Dec. 2025; two great-great grandchildren: (Jeff’s) Faith Henderson and Kratos Zenk; her two siblings: Shirley Genzler of Redfield, SD and Roger Butch (Nancy) Genzler of Gettysburg, SD; sister-in-law, Sieglinde Genzler of Aberdeen, SD; many nieces, nephews, family and friends; and a dear friend for many years, Betty Schillinger of Miller, SD.

Proceeding her in death are her son, Mark Allen Genzler on Nov. 21, 2011; her parents, George and Hannah (Strauss) Genzler; siblings: Raymond, LaVern (Elsie), Alvin, Neola (Jay) Anderson, Albert (Inez), Berta (Mervin) Bartels, Louie, Helen Genzler, and Ellen Genzler; and many nieces, nephews, family, friends.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Mary’s arrangements.