Mary Ann Bechtold, age 91, of Fairhaven, died on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at her home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 29, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale with Fr. Kevin Magner as the Celebrant. Private burial at Fairhaven Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale and one hour prior to the funeral on Monday at the church.
Mary Ann Krausert was born on Nov. 25, 1932, in St. Cloud, Minnesota to John and Adeline (Betzold) Krausert. She graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud with the Class of 1950 and continued her education at Anoka Ramsey Community College. On May 24, 1955, Mary Ann married the love of her life, Anthony D. Bechtold, at the Cathedral of St. Mary in St. Cloud. Mary dedicated much of her career to serving others, initially as a telephone operator for AT&T in St. Cloud and as a nurse’s aide at the St. Cloud Hospital, before becoming one of the founding employees of the original Cub Foods, working there for 25 years until her retirement in December of 1993.
Mary Ann’s faith played a central role in her life, she was a former member of the Cathedral of St. Mary’s in St. Cloud, the Church of St. Anne in Kimball, and most recently a member at the Church of St. Ignatius in Annandale. Mary Ann participated in various ministries and groups, including the St. Anne’s Choir, prayer groups, and Bible study. She was a former member of the Legion Auxiliary and Red Hat Society.
Beyond her professional and community involvement, Mary Ann cherished her family and had a love for genealogy and archeology. She found joy in researching her family history, sharing that history with relatives, and spending time with loved ones. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will forever be remembered.
Mary is survived by her children, Mary (Larry) Woodard of Jupiter, Florida, Nancy (Tim) Larson of Minneapolis, Steve (Deb) Bechtold of Blaine, and Bruce (Robin) Bechtold of Clearwater; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Bechtold; parents, John Krausert and Adeline Kraemer; stepfather, Andrew Kraemer; brothers, Virgil, Norman, and Vernon Krausert; and grandson, Douglas Bechtold.
Mary Ann’s grandchildren will serve as casket bearers. St. Ignatius Music Ministry will provide the music for the service.
Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
The obituary, guestbook, and video tribute are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.