MaryAnn Blattenbauer, 95, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday September 6, 2019, in the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

MaryAnn was born February 8,1924, to Ben and Anna (Winter) Spaeth in Mahnomen County.  As a child, MaryAnn lived and worked on her family farm while attending the Hart School.  At age 15, she began working various jobs starting at the Oak Crest Farm and the Red Apple Café.  She soon moved to Minneapolis, MN, with a friend and began a job waitressing at a "Band Box" and the Northern Pump Defense Plant.  MaryAnn spent a short time moving with a military family to Louisiana, returning to Minneapolis and then back to Mahnomen County.

MaryAnn married Edward Blattenbauer on October 9, 1945, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN.  In 1950, Eddie and MaryAnn bought a farm where they raised their seven children and several foster children.  MaryAnn was a devoted mother and homemaker.  She enjoyed her time gardening, canning, singing, playing piano, sewing clothing, quilting and crafting.  She will be remembered for throwing "a little lunch" together for one and all who stopped by to visit.  MaryAnn enjoyed a "good party" and made sure that everyone had a good time and was well taken care of. When she wasn't busy working or tending to her family, she and Eddie attended every dance they could at the local dance halls.

After her youngest daughter was born in 1966, MaryAnn began working at Athmann's Clothing Store in Mahnomen alongside her best friend, Dode Athmann.  Eddie passed away May 14, 1989.  At that time, MaryAnn sold the farm and moved into Mahnomen.  She continued working at Athmann's Clothing Store until she retired in 1994.  Shortly after, she became a Foster Grandparent serving St. Michael's Catholic School and the Mahnomen Elementary School.  For many years, MaryAnn was instrumental in organizing annual Polka Fests for the Mahnomen Knights of Columbus.

MaryAnn was a devoted Catholic and a life-long member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Beaulieu.  She volunteered her time with the church by cleaning the rectory, being a Lector and singing in the choir for many years.  MaryAnn was best known as "the Host", seating hundreds of people each year during their annual church dinners.  She was a member of St. Joseph's Christian Mothers and the LaGarde Township Homemaker's Club.

MaryAnn is survived by two sons, Robert (Carol) Blattenbauer of Moorhead, MN, and Russell of Mahnomen; five daughters: Cheryl (Wally) Skare of Moorhead, Sandy (Elly) Underwood of Bemidji, MN, Barbara (Joe)  Pantaleo of Bejou, MN, Anita (Tim) LaVoy of Naytahwaush, MN, and Terri (Cheryl Larson) Blattenbauer of Clear Lake, MN; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, Rosella Spaeth and Barbara Terway, both of Mahnomen; special friend, Bob Skoglund of Holt, MN, and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; step-mom, Frances Spaeth; six brothers: Art, Elmer, Ernie, Leander, Norbert and Henry and three sisters: Florentine, Edwina, and Anastasia "Tooty".

The family is grateful for the care provided by the Mahnomen Nursing Home, Hospice of Red River Valley and all who were able to call or visit during Mom's final days.