Mary Ann Ulrich

Mary Ann Ulrich, 93, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Fairway View in Ortonville. 

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Congregational United Church of Christ in Ortonville, MN. Pastor Lynn Thomas will officiate. Memorial Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the church on Saturday. 

The service will be live streamed, recorded and viewable below.

Mary Ann Ulrich was born on January 18, 1931, in Ortonville, MN. She was the daughter of Magnus and Anna Sorensen. She graduated from Ortonville High School with the Class of 1949. She continued her education at Nettleton Business School in Sioux Falls, SD. She returned to Ortonville and began her career at Geier Jackson Inc. as their bookkeeper.

Mary Ann met Rodger Ulrich at Sioux Historic Pavilion in 1954. They were united in marriage on August 7, 1956, at First Congregational Church in Ortonville. They moved to Hayti, SD, where their two daughters, Ann and Sue, were born.

Rodger’s job took the family to Aberdeen, SD in 1964. While raising her family, Mary Ann was also the activity director at Mother Joseph Manor Nursing Home. Advocacy and service to elders came naturally to her. Rodger and Mary Ann moved back to Ortonville in 1979. They loved spending time at their lake cabin at Lagoona Beach which they purchased in 1959.

Mary Ann always was an active and passionate community citizen. Mary Ann got things done.  She devoted many hours to Citizens for Big Stone Lake, Ortonville Area Health Services Board of Directors, Big Stone Healthcare Foundation, Big Stone Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Office of Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans, Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, Kiwanis Club, VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post #3964, American Legion Gertj Van Lith Post #229, Extension Club, Big Stone Arts Council, Central Park Restoration Committee, Friday Lunch Bunch, and Congo Bongos.

Mary Ann helped to bring to Ortonville the Multiple Sclerosis TRAM (The Ride Across Minnesota) and Masters Walleye Tournament.  She was a founding member of Citizens for Big Stone Lake Association. Mary Ann’s work is memorialized on two granite plaques at the foot of Big Stone Lake.  In 2016, Mary Ann was honored as Grand Marshal of the 78^th Annual Corn Fest Parade. 

Mary Ann’s Danish heritage was celebrated with family here – and in Denmark. Over the years, many Danish Kringle pastries were shared with coffee and loved ones. Danish family held a special place in her heart – and they called her “The Queen.” 

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Ann (Pete) Holme of Ortonville, MN; and Sue (Robert) Donkersgoed of Eden Prairie, MN; three grandchildren: Van (Carissa), Charles, and Benjamin (Amy) Donkersgoed; nieces, nephews, her Danish cousins, and Cabin family. She was preceded in death by her parents: Magnus and Anna; husband, Rodger; siblings: Kenneth, Clifford, Doris, Willard, and Maureen.

Special thanks for the loving care provided by Dr. Robert Ross and staff at Peaceful Pines Senior Living, Fairway View Neighborhoods, and CentraCare Hospice.