Mary Ann was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where she served on the church council, the executive committee and as president of the Lutheran Church Women. She was a past member of PEO and a founding member of the Junior Service League. From her days in 4H she continued as a talented sewer and created many beautiful quilts during her lifetime. She also enjoyed playing mahjong and cards with friends. Besides serving as a volunteer for local hospitals and Meals on Wheels, her favorite occupation was being the best wife, mother, and grandmother she could be as well as being loved by her extended family. Everyone who met or knew Mary Ann was touched by her gracious nature, her beautiful smile, and her humility. She was good at paying attention to details but always in the context of the “big picture” and knowing what was important while giving wise counsel from a practical viewpoint. She loved attending all the musical and sporting events performed or played by members of her family and was their greatest fan. Along with her husband she was honored by Augustana University with the first annual Augustana University Friends of Music Award for 2015-16.
Her favorite retreat was spending summers at the family lake cabin near her childhood home and being the hostess for many happy gatherings.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, her sons Eric (Amy) Knutson, Brian (Kristin) Knutson, her grandchildren Christopher, Daniel, Kayla, Sarah and Andrew, all from Sioux Falls, her brother Robert (Darlet) Peterson of New Richland, MN, sister, Jane Rasmussen, Apple Valley, MN, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding her death were her parents, her brother-in-law, Donald Rasmussen, a nephew, Todd Peterson, and a great nephew, Preston Peterson.
Services for Mary Ann’s Celebration of Life and Love, will be Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 33rd and Summit, in Sioux Falls. She will be buried at Woodlawn Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be Friday, February 12 at the Downtown Miller Funeral Home from 1 to 7 with family present from 4 to 6.
Recommended memorials in Mary Ann’s name can be directed to the the Avera Foundation Children’s Travel Fund, PO Box 5045, Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5045; Augustana University Music Department, 2001 South Summit Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57197; Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Foundation, 909 W 33rd St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105; or a charity of one's choice.