Mary Ann Deichert

Our Beloved Mother, Mary Ann Deichert, 95, wrapped her last earthly gift, her final breath, and graciously gave that profound present to all whom she held dear as her final act of love. On 8 December 2018, her Savior welcomed her to eternal life, enjoining her with the long-lingering love divine of all who shared her family faith web of unending hope. Her gentle, genuine, quiet strength of will and character seemed to make all things possible and now rests eternal.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM CST on Wednesday, 12 December 2018, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, ND, with prayer vigil services starting at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM CST at Church of Corpus Christi on Thursday, 13 December 2018, with Rev. Joe Deichert presiding. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery following the Mass.

Mary Ann was born 17 February 1923 to Valentine and Genevieve Holzer (Fischer) in rural Strasburg, North Dakota where she received her rearing and education until 1942 when the family moved to Bismarck, North Dakota. Then, on 13 May 1946, she married Harry Deichert in a double wedding with Bernard and Pauline Deichert at St Gertrude Church in Raleigh, North Dakota, the same area in which they established a home, rooted and reared their family of twelve children.

In the rearing of her children, her agile selflessness allowed the acquisition and adaption of comprehensive homemaking skills as a life-long exercise of love. Whether health or home, kitchen or clothing, shopping or safety, managing multi-tasks every day, she mastered every needed capability to posture her family for success. In addition, she embodied the physical strength and stamina needed for planting and plowing, machinery and milking, cattle and corrals. In short, the ring on her finger represented the fervent focus (whatever it takes) of the daily dedication underscoring her life-long devotion.

After 44 years of farming and ranching, she and Harry retired to Bismarck in 1990 whereupon they completed Permanent Diaconal Training and subsequent ministry with the Church of Corpus Christi. Mary Ann fervently participated and found refuge in the community of the Church, to include membership in Christian Mothers, Catholic Daughters, and Sacred Heart Guild.

Mary Ann is survived by her six sons and six daughters; Mary Jane (Tony) Hilzendeger, Martin (Sharon), Angie (Mike Wood), Lil (Bruce) Isaak, Paul (Danita), Pete - PJ (Julie), Fr Joe, Rose (Russ) Hockett, Jen (Kevin) Baltrusch, Bernie (Tim) Rivinius, Jim (Sandy) and Jerome (Cindy). Her children added the beautiful fruit of 28 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren to her robust family tree. Also surviving are her sister Emma Holzer and brother John (Millie) Holzer along with Holzer sisters-in-law Helen (Anton), Mary (Jacob), Helen (Adam); Deichert sisters-in-law Maggie and Fanny.

Harry, her husband preceded her into eternal life in 2012. Also preceding her to eternity were daughter-in-law Cindy (Pete); brothers Anton, Joseph, Jacob, Adam, and Raymond (Betty); sisters Ann (Roger) Bosworth and Cecelia (Walter) Thormahlen.

Though her family deeply grieves the loss of her, all are grateful for the enormous blessing of the entirety of her long life. Her love has been, is, and ever shall be like a ring, a ring that has no end.