Mary P. Oldiges

Mary P. Oldiges, age 79, lifelong resident of Minster, died at her home on Monday, October 26, 2026. Mary was born on July 4, 1947, in Lima, Ohio to the late Earl and Phyllis (Vogelsang) Woehrmyer. Mary and Gary J. Oldiges were married on April 15, 1967, in St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster. Gary preceded her in death on August 29, 2017. She is survived by two sons; Ted and Maria Oldiges and Craig and Dianne Oldiges, all of Minster. Mary was preceded in death by her son Jeff Oldiges in 2000. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Nathan Oldiges and fiancé Lauren Beyke, Hannah Oldiges, Brandon Oldiges, Dawson Oldiges, Kyra (Cody) Frericks and Brynn Oldiges as well as one great granddaughter, Cecilia Frericks. Also surviving are Mary’s sister Ann and Dave Gossman, of Punta Gorda, FL and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Deb Woehrmyer and in-laws Ron and Mary Lou Oldiges and Marlene and Tom Liening.

Mary was a lifelong member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Minster where she served on the Parish Council, Finance Committee, Art and Environment Committee, Lay Distributor and religious education teacher. Mary was involved with the Crescent Players and was a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother. She was an active member of the Minster Service Club, Alumni Band and Football Moms. Mary was employed with Francis Furniture in Sidney as an Interior Designer for 20 years prior to owning and operating Accents on Main in Minster.

Mary had a deep passion for genealogy and was a member of the Minster Historical Society since its founding in 1976. She became a chairperson for the Sesquicentennial Celebration for the Village of Minster and the success of that event locked in Mary’s dedication in preserving, sharing and recording Minster’s history and rich German heritage. She was instrumental in obtaining the first physical location of the Museum in 2008. Mary spent her retirement years as Minster Historical Society president, completing her crowning achievements. In 2016 she petitioned the Village to close the alley between the Museum and the neighboring building, thus creating what we now know as Heritage Park. In 2017 she led the charge to purchase the building next to the Heritage Park to become the Museum Annex and provide expansion opportunities for the Museum. In 2023, Mary was honored to be named Grand Marshal of the Minster Oktoberfest, another organization that she and her entire family have been involved with since its inception.

Mary loved people deeply, from her grandparents to her great-grandchild, and treasured time spent with family and their many activities. She enjoyed spoiling them and treating them to homemade goodies. A Master Gardener, she devoted many hours to creating beautiful gardens. She also loved cooking, baking, crocheting, and sewing.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:30 Am Saturday, October 31, 2026, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster. Burial will follow in St. Augustine Cemetery, Minster. Friends may call at The Hogenkamp Funeral Home on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 3 to 7 PM and on Saturday October 31, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gary, Mary and Jeff Oldiges Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Minster Historical Society. Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.