Mary Schildberger

mary schildberger

Mary M. Schildberger, 56, Hankinson, returned to her Heavenly Home on Monday, February 3, 2014, surrounded by her family at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.  Mary vividly described her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, calling her home on Monday and she willingly became his Angel.     

Mary Margaret Kutter was born on February 13, 1957, in Hankinson, ND, to Harvey & Genevieve (Martin) Kutter.  Baptized and confirmed in Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Lidgerwood, ND, she worked at Gordy’s Tastee Freeze and graduated from Lidgerwood High School in 1975. 

She married Marne Schildberger on June 11, 1977, in Lidgerwood.  The couple made their home in Hankinson ever since their marriage.  On November 27, 1983, Mary gave birth to their son, Gregg, who was the center of her life.

Mary began her professional career at Lincoln State Bank in Hankinson on September 24, 1975, as a teller.  She became an instrumental part of the bank’s operations area as the institution moved from posting machines to computerized systems, and converted manual processes to computers.  As the banking industry became more driven by technology, Mary led the transition at Lincoln State Bank.  During her tenure, she directed the move from service bureau data processing to an in-house data department.

Mary worked tirelessly through software conversions, acquisition of another financial institution’s branch, building constructions, opening a new branch location and overseeing the addition of internet banking and automated teller machines to improve services for customers.  Serving as Assistant Vice President for many years, Mary was promoted to Vice President in 2002 and Senior Vice President in 2006. She also was a licensed insurance and annuity agent.  No task was too big or too small for Mary.  She was an excellent educator and taught procedures of banking operations to many.  Mary dedicated herself to her career, customers and co-workers.

She was a circle leader in Saint Philip’s Guild for many years, Hankinson Library board member, Catechism educator, guest lecturer at Hankinson High School (HHS), committee member on various advisory boards at HHS, a proud chaperone of the HHS Science Team for over fourteen years and a member of the Shepherd’s Care Committee tasked with raising funds for Catholic priest retirements.

Mary loved all things in nature, especially butterflies, trees, sunsets, the stars and the moon.  She was an award-winning photographer, taking amazing photos for science fairs, weddings, civic events, and much more.  An avid reader, her favorite author was Danielle Steel.  Mary loved the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux teams, attending home football and basketball games, while watching the hockey games on television.  She grew beautiful flowers, was an excellent cook and greatly enjoyed Coca-Cola.  She was a fan of the Minnesota Twins, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and the Minnesota Vikings.

In the midst of adversity, her courage, love, indomitable spirit, caring nature, professionalism, compassion and constant kindness impacted everyone she met.  She was incredibly intelligent, humble, selfless, caring and had a fantastic sense of humor.  Mary’s response, when someone said “I love you,” was always “MORE!”  Family and friends were her focus; she created amazing memories and traditions which will be passed down to future generations. She freely counseled other patients undergoing chemotherapy to give them encouragement and suggestions. Mary’s spirit will most definitely live on through all those she touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Mary Kutter-Schildberger Scholarship Endowment within the University of North Dakota Foundation.  The Endowment will benefit female students entering the majors offered within the College of Business and Public Administration.

Mary is survived by her husband, Marne; her son, Gregg, Fargo; mother, Genevieve, Lidgerwood; sister, JoAnne (Michael) Jentz, Mantador ND; brother-in-law, Gerard; sister-in-law, Yvonne; five step-sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in her journey home by her father, Harvey; brothers, Joseph and Michael; step-father, Tony; sister-in-law, Lorraine; and her grandparents.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I do not know Mary. I want to thank you for sharing Mary’s story of her final time on earth in her obituary. In your sorrow may the nearness of God and His promise as well as Mary’s testimony give you peace and comfort.

  2. Birmingham MII played in the Lidgerwood high school band with Mary. I have many fond memories of Mary and will always remember her smile and upbeat nature. We had a lot of fun!
    My thoughts are with all of you.
    Nancy

  3. We have lost a wonderful friend and co-worker. I know I speak for all of us at LSB when I say that she had the answers to many questions. We will miss you dearly.Heaven has gained a beautiful person.

  4. West Fargo ND
    Marne and Gregg,
    We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s death. She was always friendly and had a smile on her face. Our sympathies to you both. Thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days and months ahead.

    Barb and Jess Smith

  5. We were very blessed and fortunate to have had Mary in our lives. Not only was Mary a wonderful Aunt but she was a Great Aunt as well as a Great Great Aunt. She definitely lived up to all the greats. Anything Mary did she did it a little extra special just for you. We love you Mary and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you Mary!

  6. Aunt Mary will be missed. I remember she was so sweet and kind to me when I was little and I used to visit. (I’ll never forget her caramel rolls.) I always thought of her as a caring and generous person who had so much to give. She was especially caring and supportive after the passing of my sister – which further demonstrated her big heart and capacity for love. Mary always has been and always will be an angel.

  7. East grand forks MN
    With great sadness I send out my sympathies to Auntie Genn, Gregg, and Mary’s entire family. I may have not known Mary well, but I do know that whenever she was around the whole room brightened up because of her smile and happy outlook. Cancer may have taken Mary from us, but grieve not-Heaven has gained a BEAUTIFUL angel.

  8. Marne, Gregg, Genevieve, Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Reggie, Michelle, Josh and Matthew

  9. New Hartford NI’m sure you will hear from countless people whose lives were blessed just by knowing/meeting Mary. I am definitely one of those people. She truly was an amazing, caring and compassionate woman. She was not only one of my best friends, I had the honor to call her my sister. While heaven gained a beautiful angel, the world is a lesser place without her. May the knowledge that she gave so much, to so many, give you peace as you mourn her and celebrate the life she so graciously lived.

    With deepest sympathy,

    Mike, Sandy, Anton and Alex

  10. Hankinson, Nd ND
    Dear Mary My Love, My life without you, is so empty, lost, my heart is so hurting for you right now. I will miss your smile, cute eyes, and loving self. You were my backbone and strenght in this life. I cry alot and hurt in so much pain for you. The emtyness in my heart right now, is so hurting and lost for you! I don”t know if I can go on in life without you. You told me to move on with my life.I can’t do that if you are not there. I pray that you will come home to me, and spent the rest of our lives togehter.Mary I hurt so bad, and want you back, but you are at a better life. I will always love you and pray for you. Good-bye my love. Your husband, Marne J Schildberger

  11. Lidgerwood ND
    We have lost one of the smartest women I know way before her time. Her laughter, kindness and love of her family will be long remembered. Prayers to all the family. Rest in peace dear friend.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide