Joanne "Puddy" Maras

    Joanne “Puddy” Maras, age 77, of Luverne, died Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Mary Jane Brown Home Good Samaritan Society in Luverne. She was born September 16, 1948, in Luverne to Elmer and Maxine (Graphenteen) Kruger. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1966.

    Puddy married Louis (Jack) Maras in 1970. After their marriage, they lived in the Luverne area for a short time, then moved to George Iowa and purchased a meat locker where they both worked for over ten years. They then moved back to Luverne where they opened Grandma’s Grill on highway 75. Puddy worked at Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Home and later worked at the Minnesota Veterans Nursing Home as a nurse's aide until she retired.

    Puddy was a member of Living Rock Church, Ladies Auxiliary, and the Eagles Club in Luverne. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, embroidering, bingo, attending her grandchildren’s events, spending time with her family, and was an avid twins fan.

    She will be lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Alisa “Jo” Buss, Luverne; Rebecca (Craig) Gonnerman, Luverne; Paula (Michael) Gonnerman, Luverne; six grandchildren, Brittney, Kennedy, Coy, Morgan, Levi, McKaya; five great-grandchildren, Lily, Sage, Jax, Mavery, Breece; and four siblings, Dennis (Rita) Kruger, Luverne; Donald (Deb) Kruger, Luverne; Sheri (Robin) Stratton, Luverne; Sam (Deb) Kruger, Beaver Cree.

    Puddy is preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack, 2008, sister Diane, an infant brother Dean; two granddaughters; and a nephew.

    Visitation will be Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 2-5pm, with a prayer service at 5pm, at Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne, with a meal to follow at the Howling Dog Saloon in Luverne.

    A private family burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne, at a later date.