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Maureen Wolhaupter was born on the eastside of St. Paul, just a few streets down from the boy she would eventually marry. From an early age, her fun-loving nature and easy smile were her hallmark characteristics. To her three sisters, she was the leader of the pack, often guiding the group into good trouble when possible. With her twin sister, Michelle, Maureen treasured her days at Our Lady of Peace High School, becoming a proud OLP graduate in 1959. A life-long learner, Maureen later earned an associate’s degree from Cambridge Community College.

After marrying Randy Wolhaupter in 1966, Maureen was thrilled to become a mother. Maureen shared her love of learning and reading with her sons, Brian and John. Being a devout Catholic, she even found ways to turn bedtime stories into biographies about saints. Maureen ensured Brian and John had a wealth of life experiences (like learning how to ride the city bus) to build their independence and appreciation for the larger world and other people. To her sons, she was a great teacher and friend–a much-loved source of wisdom, advice, and care packages.  

Not only a fierce protector of her family, Maureen extended care to all those around her, modeling how to be an active participant in church and civic life. A parishioner at St. Bridget of Sweden, she worked as a funeral lunch server and blood drive volunteer, and she enjoyed being a part of several Bible studies. While her son Brian was deployed to Iraq, she dedicated countless hours as a member of the Blue Star Mothers organization. Her patriotism and desire to support democracy also motivated her to serve as an election judge for many years. Social justice issues were always close to Maureen’s heart.

Maureen worked a variety of jobs over the years. From the roadside stand where she sold her family’s tomatoes and raspberries to the soda fountain at Kresge’s, she knew the value of hard work at an early age. Clever, dependable, and fueled by coffee, Maureen assisted in healthcare at the Forest Lake Clinic and the Minnesota Nurses Association, worked with insurance claims, and helped at the North Branch Library. She embraced the challenges of these roles and treated co-workers and customers with kindness and grace.   

Maureen had a zest for life. As a wife, she was a fellow fun-loving adventurer. Whether it was a drive through the country to look for deer or exploring the Gulf Coast for two months a year, she was game to go. Letting her Irish pride shine through, trips to the St. Patrick’s Day parades were spring staples and songs by The Irish Rovers frequently echoed through the house. As a grandma, she enthusiastically traveled to see Nick and Anna, cheering them on at swim meets, joining in at school events, and celebrating holidays. Riding in the car with grandma, Anna would often say, “Grandma, go faster!  Go faster!”  And Grandma obliged to Anna’s delight.  

A caring wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandma and a witty, thoughtful friend, Maureen will be dearly loved and remembered–not only for her heartfelt, handmade cards and delicious shortbread cookies but also for her laughter, listening ear, strong backbone, and open heart.  Though sharing a special bond with her twin, Maureen will always be “one of a kind.”  

Maureen is survived by her husband, Randy; sons, Brian (Cathy) of Middleton, WI and John (Jodi) of Brooklyn Park; sister, Michelle Urbanski of Maplewood; grandchildren, Nick Wolhaupter and Anna (Levi) Henkel; great-grandchildren Makinley and Nora Henkel.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Fern, and sisters, Marilyn Cunningham and Maryjo Cunningham.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church in Lindstrom.  Visitation one hour prior to mass at church on Wednesday.  Interment to follow at Church of St. Peter Historic Cemetery in Mendota.

Arrangements are by Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Lindstrom.  Condolences maybe expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com

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