Watch Mary Ann's Funeral Mass

Mary Ann Dentz, age 76, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Saturday, September 19, 2020 in Fargo, ND, surrounded by her family.

Mary Ann Dentz, the daughter of Albert and Adelia "Clara" (Laubach) Dentz, was born on August 15, 1944 in Mahnomen, MN.  She grew up and was lovingly raised in Mahnomen with two sisters, Dolores and Rosella; and two brothers, Gerald and Albert Jr. After graduating from Mahnomen High School, Mary Ann attended NDSU and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology. Soon after, she returned to Mahnomen and accepted a position with the Mahnomen County Human Service Department as a licensed social worker. Mary Ann had a passion for children which suited her well as she tirelessly served many families in child protective services and adoption for many years. She later worked in adult services and wherever needed throughout her lifelong career with Mahnomen County. Mary Ann retired in 2002 but continued lovingly caring for her mom until her death in 2008. She remained in their family home until January 2019, when she moved to the Mahnomen Assisted Living. After declining health and recent injuries sustained in a car accident, she was receiving rehabilitation services at The Meadows on University in Fargo, ND. Mary Ann died surrounded by family at her niece, Sheila's, home in Fargo. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her and whose lives she touched.

Throughout her life, Mary Ann's faith never wavered which was evident in her day to day life. She was an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Justin 2020 and the National Catholic Society of Foresters Court 342. She also held memberships with the Mahnomen Library Club, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Red Hatters. For many years, Mary Ann also played the organ at church for weddings, funerals, and regular Mass. Family was always the center of her life and she cherished their time together, no matter what they were doing as long as they were together! Mary Ann had an outgoing, fun-loving personality, and loved being with people. Her kind, sweet natured personality and big heart shone through in everything she passionately did throughout her life. Mary Ann loved Fall and enjoyed "leafing" and captured many beautiful pictures of flowers and the changing scenery.

Mary Ann is survived by one sister, Sr. Rosella Dentz of Crookston, MN, and a sister-in-law, June Dentz of Monroe, WA; eight nieces and nephews and 15 great-nieces and nephews: Julie (Tim) Nudell-Pierce and their children: Michael, Matthew and Alyssa Pierce; Sheila Nudell; Denise (Rod) Mayer and their children, David (Stephanie) Mayer and Mandi Mayer; Sharon (Mark) Johnson and their children, Michaela (Ruben) Pina and Samantha Johnson; Steve (Barb) Dentz and their daughter, Lisa (John) Olson; Don (Sharon) Dentz and their children, Adam (Teigan) Dentz and Madison (Daymon) Plowman; Bob (Angie) Dentz and their children Evan and Aly Dentz and Jeff LaPointe and his children: Alex, Josh and Dani LaPointe.  Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Gerald and Albert Jr.; sister and brother-in-law, Dolores and Gaylen Nudell; and a nephew, Mark Dentz.

Blessed be the memory of Mary Ann Dentz.

The family would like to extent a special thank you to the staff of The Meadows on University, Mahnomen Area Assisted Living and Ethos Hospice for their loving care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 25, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 24, 2020 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Rosary at the church. Burial will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. People attending are encouraged to bring a chair for fellowship and hospitality following the committal service.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.