Mary Ann McKenna

mary ann mckenna
Mary Ann McKenna, 84, passed away July 2, 2019 at Essentia Health Hospital, Fargo, ND surrounded by family. Mary Ann Magdalene Peckskamp was born on October 18, 1934 in Melrose, MN to John Bernard “Ben J.” and Josephine (Schmitz) Peckskamp. She graduated from Sauk Center High School and attended Valley City State Teacher’s College (now known as Valley City State University). She earned a teaching certificate and taught at a country school outside Eckelson, ND for two years. There were 13 students in grades 1-8. She married E. Daniel McKenna on December 29, 1955 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre, MN. They lived in Valley City and Mary Ann worked at the local bank for a few months before becoming a fulltime homemaker. The family moved to Fargo, ND in 1957, Woodriver, IL in 1958 and then to Kenosha, WI in 1963 for four years before settling in Moorhead, MN. During her 56 years in Moorhead, Mary Ann was the foundation of our family that started with her marriage to Dan, continued with four kids and then expanded to 21 with the addition of her first great grandchild. She oversaw family parties, celebrations, camping trips and countless hours at Leaf Lake in Minnesota. In her spare time, she did homemade crafts instilling a crafting legacy that now extends to her grandkids, collected and donated dolls to local shelters, and most recently rekindled her love of cribbage and bingo at Eventide. She was a lifelong fan and owner of the Green Bay Packers who she loving called “her boys”. For the past two years she lived independently at Eventide, Moorhead. She and Dan were members of St. Joseph’s Parish and the Newman Center. She was active in Campfire, Cubs Scout Leader, the Ladies Aid, and Concordia Talk and Stitch. Mary Ann is survived by her children, Daniel "Dan" Bernard McKenna (Teri) Lake Melissa, MN, Kathleen “Kathy” Jo Just (Kenley) Moorhead, MN, Patrick “Pat” Joseph McKenna (Kristi) Papillion, NE, Ann McKenna Suits (David) Robbinsdale, MN; 8 grandchildren, John McKenna, New York City, NY, Brianna Just, St. Paul MN, Brittney Just (Jordan Klovstad) Virginia Beach, VA, and Brooke (Eric) Depa, Clouquet, MN, Dustin (Megan) McKenna, Lincoln NE and Nicole (Mitchell) Godfrey, LaVista NE, Benjamin and Sarah Suits, Robbinsdale, MN; 1 great grandchild, Keavy McKenna, Lincoln, NE. Mary Ann is preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister Delrose Karty. Memorials preferred to the Boy's and Girl's Club of North Dakota

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  1. Sorry to hear the sad news of Mary Ann’s passing away. Dan & Mary Ann were WONDERFUL lake friends!! We referred to them as “The Professor & Mary Ann” from Gilligan’s Island. Many GREAT memories of lake parties and gatherings on Leaf Lake!

  2. I am so very sad to read of Mary Ann’s (Mrs.McKenna’s) passing. She was such a funny, kind and most loving person. She truly loved life! My thoughts go back so many years……… many great memories about how she was like a second mom to me. The whole McKenna family is in my thoughts and prayers….I know this must be so hard on all of you. The best thing I can say is I am most thankful for all the truly great memories. This world has lost a gem.

  3. My sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear mom, Mary Ann! We did alot of visiting over 28 years when she would come to the clinic. She always made my day! Rest in peace Mary Anna, I will miss you!!

  4. Mary Ann lived a full, happy, and productive life. May God bless her and every member of the extended McKenna Family. Wherever life takes you, know that Mary Ann is always at your side. She is at Peace.

  5. Kathy and family,
    You have our most sincere condolences and sadness on the passing of Mom, Grandma.
    We regret that plans made a year ago take us away Sunday-Wednesday but Janie and I will be thoughtful under the pines of Itasca as your family honors her wonderful life.

  6. After seeing Mary Ann’s obituary today, my thoughts and prayers go out to the whole McKenna family. I had the honor of cutting her beautiful curly hair for many, many years and always enjoyed seeing her and hearing about the whole family. I have many of the crafts she made throughout the years and hang the ornaments at Christmas time every year! MaryAnn was such a wonderful lady and I will miss her. My most sincere condolences!

  7. Kathy, Kenley and Family,
    We extend our sympathy, thoughts, and prayer during this difficult time.

  8. Our most sincere sympathy from the KELLER FAMILY cousins. We have many wonderful memories of visits to the Farm during our “growing up” years. Mary Ann had that sparkle and loving joy that will be missed.

  9. So very difficult to comprehend the world without Mary Ann among us. She and Dan were dear friends and trusted advisers to me as I grew in my career. Thankful for the love and service they both gave to their family, friends and community in oh, so many ways. True examples of what builds and makes a community. Thankful for so many good memories and I hope the very best ones help sustain you now and in the future. God bless you all.


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