Mariann Wandler

Mariann Wandler, 89, of Rochester, MN, passed away on Sunday May 31, 2026 at her home.

Mariann Doll and her twin sister Rose were born premature to parents Peter and Rosa (Ferderer) Doll on April 5, 1937, in a stone house in rural Morton County and, alongside six sisters and three brothers, was raised on the family farm in Almont, North Dakota.

 As a young woman, Mariann received her Cosmetology license from Josef's School of Hair Design in Fargo, where she became a skilled and sought-after stylist. A chance encounter with a client who knew of another twin in the area would lead to a blind date in Watford City with Ronald Wandler, the man with whom she would ultimately be happily married for 60 years. On August 30, 1965, the couple exchanged vows at St. Mary's Church in Bismarck; the marriage would go on to produce seven lucky and blessed children. In 1983, the family moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where they resided ever since. Mariann was fortunate to be able to raise her family and keep her home for many years but would also return to professional work, finding retail employment at Target, where she quickly distinguished herself and held a management position until her retirement in 2002.

 Mariann was amazingly talented across a wide variety of subjects and interests and excelled at numerous artistic pursuits, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and textile arts; she also held an encyclopedic knowledge of gardening and botany. Socially, Mariann was a virtuoso competitor in card games of all types and was an avid and accomplished league bowler.

 Mariann always knew that faith and family were the truly important things in life and was a loving wife and mother, doting grandmother, and a devout, prayerful woman. She had a sparkling and vivacious personality and a charming, friendly disposition that endeared her to all she met.

Mariann was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Rosa, brothers John and William, sisters Ann, Pauline, and Veronica, as well as by her husband, Ronald. She is survived by sisters Josephine, Rose, and Florence, and brother Donald. She is also survived and missed by her seven children, Deanna (Dave), Jeffery, Lisa (Dale), Julie, Chad (Kristie), Steven (Carrie), and Michael, and her nine grandchildren, Kaylin, Nathan (Emma), Ashley, Jenna, Marissa (Edoardo), Emily, Henry, Nolan and Eleanor.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Pax Christi Catholic Church (4135 18th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901). Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Pl NW, Rochester, MN 55901) as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be on Thursday at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Wandler family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com