Mary Ruth Zweber

Mary Ruth Zweber, age 86, of New Prague, died peacefully at home on Friday, August 30, 2024, with her family at her side praying the rosary at almost the same time during the night that her husband had died just 8 days earlier! Mary was born on September 6, 1937, in New Prague, to Dr. Charles F. and Ruth M. (Nelson) Cervenka. She graduated from New Prague High School, where she was very involved in extracurriculars, chosen the first Snoball Queen, and graduated with honors. She went on to Marquette University for a year and completed her degree in Medical Technology from the University of Minnesota. She worked as medical technologist at War Memorial Blood Bank in Minneapolis.

After marrying Richard “Dick” Zweber on December 31, 1958, Mary embraced the roles of both career and running a household with enthusiasm and endless energy, quickly earning the title of “Matriarch of the Family”. She jockeyed work, supporting Dick’s schooling, raising her children, and all that was entailed in running a household with competence and grace. She thoroughly enjoyed the cooking classes she took with Verna Meyer, publisher of her own cookbooks! Dinner on the table each night was never just thrown together; rather, it became a gourmet experience, with her children being the “guinea pigs” to try out her creations. She provided them with enriching experiences even with housecleaning when she cranked up her “cleaning records” and exposed them to music greats, such as CCR, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul, & Mary, and the Beatles. She ran a tight ship, allotting chores firmly but with a loving hand; the children had a “Saturday Box”, where toys that didn’t get picked up would land and remain until Saturday came and they could get them back! There was always time for fun, however! Her love of games, puzzles, and cards gave the kids many gifts and nights of the same. She enjoyed the adult comraderies she found in the Bridge Clubs to which she belonged.

Mary was a woman ahead of her time. She valued Public Television and Minnesota Public Radio and was a sustaining member of both. She fostered women’s issues her entire life, even marching in a woman’s march at the capital well into her 80’s. Mary was direct: she said what she meant and meant what she said. She enjoyed her work at the Peace Center and the Bible Studies that she joined. She left a legacy of treating people with inclusivity, respect, and social justice.

Mary is survived by her children, Doug Zweber of New Prague, David (Ming) Zweber of Edina, Suzanne (Chuck) Woo of San Diego, Michael “Mike” Zweber of Burnsville, Mary Kristin (Marv) Peters of New Prague, John Wayne Zweber of St. Patrick; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dr. John (Paulette) Cervenka of New Prague; Doug (Kathleen “Katie”) Cervenka of Golden Valley; sister, Cathy (Richard) Wornson of New Prague. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dick on August 22, 2024; parents; sister, Susan at age 9; brother, Dr. Charles K. Cervenka at age 26.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, September 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Kevin Clinton officiating. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org Visitation will take place Sunday from 4-7 PM and Monday morning from 7:30-9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Lunch will follow Mass at the KC Hall. Burial will occur Monday afternoon at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Spring Lake Township.

Memorials preferred to St. Wenceslaus School.