MaryAnn Burckhard, the daughter of Jacob and Regina (Boehm) Merck of Minot formerly Towner, North Dakota was born on February 20, 1928 at Karlsruhe, North Dakota. She died peacefully at the age of 95 years on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Somerset Court in Minot, North Dakota.

MaryAnn grew up on her family farm and attended school in and graduated from Karlsruhe High School. During her high school years she played on the Karlsruhe High School basketball team. MaryAnn had great athletic abilities which she passed on to her children.

On October 23, 1947 MaryAnn was united in marriage to Joe Burckhard at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Karlsruhe. After their marriage the couple moved to the Burckhard family farm southeast of Towner. It is there they welcomed and raised 13 children. Life on a grain/dairy farm was always busy. MaryAnn could be found doing field work, milking cows, gardening or running the household as needed. She possessed the patience of an angel. Her organizational skills were phenomenal, which was a necessary characteristic for survival in such a large household and farm operation. Social gatherings with friends and family were highlights in her busy life and which MaryAnn enjoyed so very much. During the years after raising her family MaryAnn enjoyed crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, coffee club and attending sporting activities of her grandchildren. She was an avid Twins fan and watched them every chance she had. Visits from her children and grandchildren were treasured moments for MaryAnn.

She was a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church and it’s Church Choir and Christian Mother’s., a former 4-H Club Leader, Homemakers Club member, Towner School Parent Teacher Association, and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

MaryAnn is survived by her children: Dennis (Sheila) of Advance, NC; Gary (Cheryl); David (Bev); Kenny (Wendy) all of Minot, ND; Kelvin (Tam) of Lincoln, ND; Lorette (Pat) Schaff; and Lorinda (Darrell) Haman both of Towner, ND; Galen of Lopez Island, WA; Rod (Jackie) of Towner, ND; Tim (Nita) of Burlington, ND; Ron (Janice) and Randy both of Minot, ND. 32 grandchildren; 55 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; sisters: Jean Feist; Agnes Traiser and Ida Lauinger all of Minot, ND and Angela (Emanuel) Klein of New Rockford, ND; and many nieces, nephews, and relatives and friends. MaryAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; Daughter Mary Jane Kreger, son-in-law Vern Kreger; brothers: Tony, Mike, John, Fred, Frank and Christ; sisters: Helen Klein, Eva Pinchero, Catherine Schmalz and Valeria Nystrom.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Towner with burial in the church cemetery. . Father Michael Schommer, Celebrant.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday with a rosary, vigil prayer service and sharing of memories beginning at 7:00 p.m. at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Towner. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.