Mary Graner

Minot

Mary died on Friday, March 21, in her home, surrounded by family members praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. She was born on January 3, 1948, in Bismarck, ND, to Hadley and Ida (nee DeChandt) Wickham.

After graduating from Mandan High School, she worked at Wickham Jewelers until her marriage to Martin Graner on June 17, 1967, at the Church of St. Joseph in Mandan, ND. Later that year, Mary and Marty moved to Minot, where they raised their nine children. After her Catholic faith, to Mary, being a good wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was most important. She was happy to attend several athletic and musical events from Minot, Bismarck, Fargo, and the Twin Cities.

With Marty, she enjoyed building a beautifully decorated home showcased in the Holiday Twilight Tour of Homes. They maintained several flower gardens in their yard, a source of enjoyment of God’s creation, and they showcased them on the Garden Tour. She also enjoyed making crafts, crocheting, sewing, and painting.

Mary’s impact extended beyond her family, as she was Minot’s first Prepared Childbirth Educator and a certified La Leche League leader, teaching classes for 10 years. Her community involvement was extensive, and she made a significant impact as a member of the Friendly 15 Homemakers Club, her Monday night Ladies’ Group, and her church. Marty and Mary were long-time parishioners at the Church of St. John the Apostle, where she taught CCD classes for 30 years and decorated the altar for masses and weddings for nearly a quarter century. She enjoyed volunteering in the religious articles shop, leading the rosary before mass, serving in the Confraternity of Christian Mothers, and being a 17-year member of St. John’s Traveling Blessed Virgin Mary statue honor guard. In 2005, Marty and Mary became members of the Church of St. Leo’s, furthering their community involvement.

Mary was preceded in death by her grandchildren, Bryan Bruns and Emily Lenertz, and brother-in-law, John Koffler.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Marty, and their nine children: Richard (Tina) and their children, Madaline (Parker) Cochran and their son, Leroy. Sophia, Lillian, Phillip, Charles, and Henry; Susan (Tim) Greenheck and their sons, Austin and Quinn (Victoria); Cheryl Graner and her son Scott (Becca) Bruns and their daughter, Emma; Kathryn (Brian) Lenertz and their daughters, Megan; Josie (Devin) Kramer and their daughter, Cara; and baby Kramer, and Ali. Joan (Justin) Garberg and their sons Tully (Tara) and their children, Wyatt, Annaka, & Cecilia, and Devin (Lexee). Patrick (Becky Bina) and his children, Hailey, Anna, and Hadley. Marty Jr. (Lisa) and their children Leah and Ryan. Stephanie (Billy) Drago and their children, Thomas, Jacob, and Elizabeth. Mary Ann (Jason) Louie and their children, Abigail, Jordan, Andrew, Madison, and Jackson.

Mary’s most significant accomplishment in this life was raising her family with her husband, Marty, to trust in God. She is also survived by her brother, Irve (Karen) Wickham, sister, Vicki Koffler, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers, Mary requested memorials to be used for Mass offerings for her or your own deceased relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church, Minot.

Visitation: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church, Minot.

Rosary/Vigil Service: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church, Minot.

Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 24, 2025.