Mary Jo Horsager

Mary Jo (Tholen) Horsager passed away June 15, 2019 at Vibra Hospital in Fargo after a long illness. Mary Jo was born November 5, 1951 in Little Falls, MN to John and Mary (Mueller) Tholen. Never one to be short on words, she loved to tell stories about all of the good times spent with her many aunts, uncles, cousins and neighborhood friends growing up. Mary Jo was a woman of great passions. A born teacher, it was her lifelong passion as well as her chosen profession. Her first classroom was in the basement of her parents’ home in Little Falls, MN and her first student was her little sister, as soon as she could sit upright. A graduate of Bemidji State University, she taught in elementary schools in Freeport, MN, Barnes County, ND and Fargo, ND. The majority of her career was spent as a special education/learning disabilities teacher. She was very dedicated to her students and loved to keep in contact with them for many years. She had an innate ability to connect with her students on their level. Reading was as natural and necessary as breathing to her and never was she without a book or even several books. She also loved playing cards and board games with her family and friends. She married Neil Horsager on August 3, 1979 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Little Falls, MN. Most beloved were her own two children, Christopher and Katie. When Katie married Chase Ferris, she gained another son. In 2017, her cup overflowed with joy at the birth of Nolan, her first grandson. Mary Jo was a devoted parishioner of Nativity Catholic Church in Fargo where she served on the “Care and Share Committee” (now known as the “Social Justice Committee”) and served as their liaison to the Nokomis Child Care Center. She was also active with the “Compassionate Friends” group, helping those who had lost an infant or child. She is survived by her son Christopher, Eagan, MN; daughter Katie (Chase) Ferris, Maple Grove, MN and grandson Nolan; brother John (Patty) Tholen, Rice, MN and family; and sister Julie Tholen, St. Paul, MN; as well as her extended family made up of relatives and friends. Mary Jo leaves behind many friends, colleagues, and students whose lives she touched. She is preceded in death by her infant son Neil Jr.; and parents John and Mary (Mueller) Tholen. Prayer Service: 7:00 P.M. Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with visitation starting at 5:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 21, 2019 at Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo with visitation starting at 10:00 A.M. Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery North, Fargo.