Mary Mae Dembowski Mostek

Mary Mae Dembowski Mostek, 95, of St. Paul, formerly of Farwell, died Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Brookefield Park in St. Paul.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Farwell. The Revs. Vince Parsons and Dave Rykwalder will concelebrate the Mass, assisted by Deacon Phil Lukasiewicz. Burial will be in the St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery near Farwell.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, with a 7 p.m. parish rosary.

Memorials are suggested to St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Mary was born Nov. 16, 1930, in Ord, the daughter of Darold and Valeria (Golka) Luddington. She grew up in several communities, attending various schools before graduating from St. Paul High School in 1948.

Mary was united in marriage to Virgil Dembowski on June 1, 1948, in St. Paul. To this union six children were born. The couple first lived in St. Paul before moving to Omaha. In 1958, they moved their family to Commerce City, Colorado. In 1966, they moved to Farwell, where they owned and operated the Sip N’ Eat Tavern until retiring in 1991. Over the years, Mary worked as a waitress in various cafés and supper clubs. Virgil died Jan. 26, 2002.

Mary continued living in Farwell until being united in marriage to Leonard Mostek on May 11, 2004, in St. Paul. The couple enjoyed five years of marriage. Leonard died Oct. 3, 2009.

Mary’s memberships included St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Farwell; ZCBJ Fraternal Lodge No. 152 of Farwell; the Grand Island Diocese Council of Catholic Women; the Council of Catholic Women at St. Anthony’s; and involvement in the Grand Island Diocese Deanery; Mary was a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous and was very instrumental in helping many others to become alcohol free with her love, compassion and understanding.

Mary’s hobbies included fishing, camping, playing cards—especially King’s Corner and pitch—traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her children and spouses: Larry and Mary Dembowski of Omaha; Joe and Connie Dembowski of Grand Island; Joan Koperski of Farwell; Shiron and Pete Johansen of Loup City; John and Teresa Dembowski of Keene; and Valerie and Tony Papst of Farwell; 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her stepchildren and spouses: Linda Hopper of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Larry and Marlene Mostek of St. Paul; Terry and Rosanna Mostek of Grand Island; Steve and Kim Mostek of Grand Island; Pam and Ralph Hammack of Lincoln; Cindy and Todd Peters of St. Paul; and Lisa and Kim Jensen of St. Paul; 16 step-grandchildren, 25 step-great-grandchildren, and 15 step-great-great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Virgil Dembowski and Leonard Mostek; brother, Vern Luddington; son-in-law, Larry Koperski; grandson, Jamie Johansen; granddaughters, Laura Lassen and Stacey Dembowski; and step son-in-law, Joe Hopper.