Mary Paula Wood Menz

August 8, 1943 - July 8, 2020

Mary Paula Wood Menz passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 76, on July 8, 2020, after bravely battling cancer. Mary was born in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. She attended all 12 grades of school in the same building with a class of 105 students, 9 of whom were named Mary. The “Merry Marys” as they referred to themselves remained friends right up until her death. Mary attended Gustavus Adolphus College graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that led to a long career in Human Resources. Mary worked for industrial companies before landing in her dream job with Hyatt Hotels. Mary retired at the age of 70 after spending 28 years as Director of Human Resources at many Hyatt properties throughout the U.S. Her “Hyatt family” were incredibly important to her and she loved her “Hyatt kids” almost as much as she loved her own children. Mary is survived by her children Nicole (wife Amy Dingler) and Erik; granddaughters Kate and Lauren; nieces Jenny and Joanie Wood; and cousins Barb and Maxine Anderson. Mary is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Helen (Anderson) Wood and brother David G. Wood. The family prefers memorials to the cancer charity of your choice or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Gifts, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or online at www.stjude.org. A graveside service with social distancing will be held at the Redwood Falls Cemetery on August 7, 2020 at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright and summery attire to celebrate her wonderful life. Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral & Cremation Services of Redwood Falls, Minnesota. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hilletad.com. Blessed be her memory.