Mary L. Cain Wente

Mary L. Cain Wente, age 74, of Benson, Minnesota, died on Monday evening, June 17, 2024, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, June 28, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. Burial will be at 12:00 noon Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock. A Celebration of Mary’s life will follow from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Buddies Bar and Grill in Hancock, Minnesota, with a program at 2:00 p.m.

Mary was born July 11, 1949, in Benson, Minnesota,  to Thomas A. and Fern N. (VanVickle) McGee. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Faith. She attended elementary school in Danvers and graduated from Benson Senior High School.

Mary was an entrepreneur and worked in the service industry most of her life serving others. She was a social butterfly and greeted everyone she met as “honey.” Mary and her mom, Fern McGee, owned the Cloverleaf Supper Club from 1979 - 1992. She was a great businesswoman and always found ways to reach her customers. In 1993, Mike and Mary purchased The Teakwood Bar which would become the Cut Loose Lounge in Porter, Minnesota. They made life-long friends and found their forever home.

Mary was united in marriage to Gerald Cain in June 1966. Mary was united in marriage to Michael R. Wente, the love of her life, on October 19, 1997, at a surprise “shotgun” ceremony the groom knew nothing about. Mary arranged all the details and surprised Mike during his birthday party. They were great partners and shared a special love.

Mary was an incredibly strong, courageous, and independent woman. She was generous, cared deeply for her loved ones, and treasured time spent with family and friends. She was a devoted mother, wife, grandma, sister, and friend to many. Mary’s favorite hobby was spending time with her horses; trail riding, team penning, or just being on the farm. She also enjoyed auctions, thrift stores and any good deal. Mary and Mike enjoyed many trips to South Dakota and various camping locations in Minnesota to ride horses and enjoy time on their Ranger.

Mary will be greatly missed by her children: Charlene Friedlein of Maplewood, Chad (Teri) Cain of Benson, Chris (Patti) Wente of Morris, Keith (Tracy) Wente, Porter, MN; grandchildren: Taylor Atchison, Lindsey Atchison, Chase Corona-Cain, Paige Cain, Beth Cain, Brooke (Graham) Ambrose, Isaac (Emma) Wente, Autumn Wente, Carter Wente and Maya Wente; great-grandchildren: Ophelia Corona-Cain, Oaks and Leo Wente; brother Thomas L. McGee; sisters Rita (Wayne) Wersinger and Juanita Saterbak; sister-in-law Bernie Wente; brother-in-law Vic (Lois) Wente, brother-in-law Tom Wente, and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Michael Wente, her parents Thomas and Fern McGee, sisters Sharon Nyren and Becky Mohrman, sister-in-law Judy McGee, brother-in-law Dale Nyren, son-in-law Richard Friedlein, her in-laws Eli and Alma Wente, brother-in-law Dave Wente, sister-in-law Chrysta Wente, nieces Robin Nyren and Jozy Saterbak; and many other cherished family members and friends.

Zniewski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.