Maureen Guentzel, age 70, of Rush City died Friday, March 13, 2026 at Mayo Hospital in Rochester after a battle with cancer.

Maureen Rose French was born March 5, 1956 in Duluth, Minnesota. She grew up in Cromwell and graduated from Cromwell High School in 1974. Following high school, she attended St. Scholastica in Duluth and earned her degree in elementary education. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Floodwood, MN.

In the early 80's she met her future husband, Steve. In 1984 they were married in Hibbing and started their family in 1985 with the birth of Kristopher. After moving to Rush City in 1988, Maureen began teaching for the Rush City School District, spending most of those years as the high school librarian. In 1993, they expanded their family with the birth of Stephanie.

Following Maureen's retirement from 40 years of teaching, spoiling her four grandkids became her full-time job. Maureen was the glue that kept her family and friends together and she was happiest visiting others with a coffee in hand. Maureen will be remembered for the impact she had on countless lives as an educator, coach, loyal friend, and loving mother and grandmother.

Maureen is survived by her two children, Kristopher (Amanda) Guentzel and Stephanie (Jeremy) Rohl; four grandchildren, Harrison and Doris Guentzel and Jameson and Beckett Rohl; brother Terrence (Connie) French; sisters-in-law Theresa French, LoAnn (Bud) Reponen and Raelene (Brian) Jarvi; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Wesley and Maryanne (Finberg) French; husband Steve Guentzel; brother Jay French.

Reverend Dr. Vicki VanderVegt will officiate funeral services for Maureen: 11 AM; Friday, March 27, 2026 at the Harris First Lutheran Church. A time of visitation and reviewal is planned from 5-8 PM Thursday, March 26 at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. The interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery, Cromwell.

 Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel
www.funeralandcremationservice.com