Mary Ann Haase

Mary Ann Haase passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in the St. Francis Nursing Home in Breckenridge, MN. Mary was a loving sister as well as a devoted aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was born on October 11, 1944, to John Gelinske and Gladys (Kraig) Gelinske in Britton, SD.

The family lived on a farm near Cayuga, ND, and in 1956 moved to a farmstead south of DeLamere, ND. The farmstead is where her large Catholic family, of six brothers and five sisters, would call home for many years.

There, Mary learned the value of hard daily work and discovered many inexpensive tips and tricks to make life more beautiful and enjoyable.

Thrift became her pride and joy.

After her 1961 graduation from DeLamere High School, her love of life and caring for others led her to pursue the field of nursing. In 1964, Mary graduated from the North Dakota State School of Science with a Licensed Practical Nursing degree.

Following graduation as an LPN, she was employed at the St. Francis Hospital, Breckenridge, MN, and the Pioneer Nursing Home in Fergus Falls, MN.

In 1968, Mary Ann Gelinske and William Haase were united in marriage at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Geneseo, ND. Over the years, the couple made their home in Gwinner, Lidgerwood, and Wahpeton, ND. Together, Bill and Mary enjoyed many years of fishing and spending time with family at the lake. There are many memories of delicious food and much laughter. Mary's love of couponing was shared with nieces, who loved reporting "good deals" to their aunt.

Visiting with family and friends, watching football and baseball, listening to country music, and debating world events were activities thoroughly enjoyed by Mary.

She always stressed that fun was even more exciting if it was not expensive.

Even her approach to fashion, though practical and casual, was embellished by ornamental details. Comfortable jeans, t-shirts, and tennis shoes -- her staples-- were always styled with large, fancy purses. Mary had an array of memorable, beautiful handbags. Nieces and nephews remember afternoon treats of marshmallow-cherry-fluff bars at Aunt Mary's and how she always had Cherry-Almond scented Jergen's on the counter. Sweet, simple touches to add a little luxury to everyday life--Ways to experience bits of joy!

After her husband Bill passed away in 2012, Mary continued to stay active, visiting family and friends. Eventually, knee issues kept her closer to home. During the pandemic, Mary's world became a little smaller. She entered her final residence, the St. Francis Nursing Home in Breckenridge, and happily shared advice with nursing students who cared for her there.

Mary Ann will always be remembered for her sharp wit, huge smile, her hearty laugh, and love of "the good stuff" in Life.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gladys Gelinske; husband, William Haase; and siblings John Gelinske Jr, Leon Gelinske, Max Gelinske, and Carol (Gelinske) Forster.

She is survived by her siblings, Joayne (Jack) Griggs, Lana (Larry) Anderson, Frank Gelinske, Gary (Sara) Gelinske, Sharon (Larry) Forster, Patricia Gelinske Carlson, Michael (Linda) Gelinske, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Because of Mary's lifelong respect for the medical profession, she donated her body to the Deeded Body Program at the University of North Dakota.

Mary's memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28th, at 1:30 pm, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 120 21st Avenue N, Fargo, ND.

Lunch following the service