Mary Ann Rodenberg of Wolf Point passed into eternal life on January 28, 2015, at the Wolf Point Hospital at the age of 91. She died after a short illness after a special holiday season, which she shared with her family.
She was the oldest child of Josephine and James O’Connell. She grew up in Bozeman, attending Rosary Grade and High School. She worked in defense related industry in Hanford, WA during WWII and then moved back to Bozeman where she met and married Harry Rodenberg of Manhattan, MT in 1947. They moved to Wolf Point shortly thereafter, and she spent her entire married life there raising a family, maintaining a home and helping friends.
Throughout her life, she was active in the community and her church. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Ann’s Altar Society, Women’s Civic Club, in which she served as President, local Brownies and Girl Scout leader, a member of the Montana Beekeepers Auxiliary, and a supporter of her husband and family in all aspects of their beekeeping profession.
She enjoyed gardening, knitting, sewing, canning, baking, visiting, traveling, and being with family and friends. She attended conventions and meetings related to the family honey business for over 60 years. Everywhere she went, she would meet someone and they shared a story or connection to MT.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Josephine and James; and a younger brother, John, who died as an infant. She is survived by her husband, Harry of Wolf Point; a brother, James of Salt Lake; her three children, John and wife, Allene of Puyallup, WA, Gail and husband, Jerry Dugan of Shoreline, WA, and Jim and wife, Shelley of Wolf Point; four grandchildren, Ryan Rodenberg and wife, Michelle of Tallahassee, FL, Craig Rodenberg and wife, Kari of Wolf Point, Jeff Rodenberg and wife, Kerry-Ann of Parker, CO and Julie Rodenberg of Gig Harbor, WA; and six great-grandchildren, Evan, Kylie, Lauren, McKenzie, Danny, and Hailee.
Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in honor of Mary Ann Rodenberg. This memorial will serve for the advancement and enrichment of religious education in grades K-12 including the promotion and use of the rosary or a charity of your choice.
A rosary and prayer service will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 4 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point. A funeral mass will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, February 5 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family using the form below.
Christine says
Deepest sympathy on the loss of a great lady.
Laura, Jens, Kyle & Emily says
Mary Ann was one of my very favorite people! She and I shared so many interests that I always loved meeting with her. Much sympathy to each of you and especially Harry who will miss his soul mate.
Virginia Bryan says
We are so saddened by the death of our beloved MaryAnn. There will never be another like MaryAnn. She was a kind, loyal and loving friend and a strong presence in our lives. Our condolences to the Rodenberg family.
Gail says
Mother, I miss you so much but I know you were tired and it was time to say goodbye to all of us. I did not want you to suffer any longer so glad that you did decide to close your eyes and sleep away. I will always cherish the memories and fun times we have had together. Thank you for being that special parent and best friend.
Joyce (Jackley) Baer says
To the Rodenberg family I send my condolenses . Mary Ann will be remembered for many things, but the one thing that stands out in my mind, was when Dr. and Lucy Sorsenson took me to Great Falls to see my Mother who was in the hospital shortly before she passed, Mary Ann had asked Lucy to take back a pair of shoes she had bought while in Great Falls! Her bright smile is the other thing I will remember. You are blessed to have had her for so long! But it still wasn’t long enough, right?
Kathy & Roy Toavs says
Condolences to Mary Anns family. she was such a special lady. Always so fun to visit with her. She will be missed by many. Roy and Kathy
Ron and Kathy Young says
We send our condolences to the Rodenberg family. Mary Ann will be missed greatly. She brought a lot of energy to the Canyon when her and Harry would come and stay every summer. We will miss walking over and having coffee with Mary Ann and talking about the good old times in the Gallatin Canyon. She liked playing the scatter category word game and would come up with the most unique answers that made everyone laugh. It will not be the same not seeing and visiting with Mary Ann at the “cabin” every summer.
Ruth Walsh McIntyre says
Dearest Gail – So very sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. Your Pi Phi family loves you, misses you and holds you in our hearts as you go through this difficult time. I wish I had known your Mom, but I know your memories will help heal your hurting heart as time passes. We will all be thinking of you even though we are not there with you. Hurry home.
Mike M. says
My condolences to the Rodenberg family. Mary Anns’ lasting legacy will be all of you, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. You are an exceptional family, doubtless a source of pride and comfort to her in her life. Well done, all.
Laura Gardner says
Harry and Gail, My heart is truly saddened by your loss. I always looked forward to seeing you three every time I visited Gallatin and the hospitality and hilarity we enjoyed while we tested our wits at Scattergories. I think I learned a new word from Mary Ann each time. She was so engaging and full of vitality. I will miss her deeply. I hope and pray that your hearts will be filled with the peace God’s grace and that your sorrow will be lifted with the testaments others will share with you over the joy she brought to those lucky enough to have met and known her.
Tim Cody says
My sincere thoughts and prayers to the Rodenberg family. God has called another of his angels to Heaven. I am sure Mary Ann and Dorothy Ann have lots to share again. May the Lord comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Bill and Kris Sampson says
Harry, Jim and family…
Mary Ann was such a special Lady, always so much fun to visit with. Our thoughts and prayer to this special family. We have many wonderful memories of this family while we lived in Wolf Point all those years. Always remember how Mary Ann and Barb Dietrich would laugh together….they are now having a long visit in Heaven. Our thought will be with you all this week. Bill and Kris Sampson, Bozeman MT
Meghan (McCahill) Cameron says
Aunt Mary Ann was a wonderful relative…I remember how kind she was to me during our family visits to MT. I loved helping her out in the kitchen and she made me feel special! She had a good heart and a generous soul. Tony and I will keep her, Uncle Harry and the whole family in our prayers. Much Love- Meghan & Tony
Rich and Kim Kimmy Tomczak says
Dear Gail and Jerry, We are sending love and prayers. So glad I got to meet your wonderful mom. She has passed into the arms of our Savior where there is no pain, and you will be reunited someday for eternity. Please know we are with you in spirit.
Penny Good Schikora says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family right now during your time of loss. Always cherish the many memories of good times spent with Mary Ann and she will always be close. I know that and Scriptures like Rev. 21:3-4 have helped me with loss of loved one such as my parents.
Dot Herting says
I will miss Mary Ann. We have been friends for over 60 years, but know she is at rest.
My love to all of the Rodenbergs, Dot
Mark McCahill says
Talking with aunt Mary Ann was always one of the high points of visiting MT when I was a kid, and like Meghan said – Mary Ann consistently made me feel special. This was one of her many superpowers. I celebrate her memory — my love and prayers go out to the Rodenburg family and everyone who mourns her passing.
Colleen (McCahill) Turley says
I will miss Aunt MaryAnn. I remember her always being genuinely interested and taking the time to really talk with me when our family would visit. That same care continued for years after, in Christmas cards and notes. David, Nolan, and I will continue to pray for her, Uncle Harry, John, Gail, and Jim, and grandchildren. Requiescat in pace.
Linda Nygaard says
MaryAnn was one of a kind, that’s for sure. I remember birthday parties when Gail and I were kids and how fun those were with MaryAnn always being so kind and so funny for all of us. As we grew older, she was always there to offer a kind word or a nudge of the elbow as she agreed with something or saw something interesting. I loved her. She and Harry were so good to all of us Nygaard kids when dad (Burle) passed and then when mom (Lillian) was so sick at home and after she passed, too. They brought food, hugs, smiles, understanding, and much love. She will be missed by so many, I’m sure. Condolences and love to John, Gail, and Jim.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
Our sincerest sympathy to all of your family. I was gone when I received word. Please know that your family is in my prayers. MaryAnn was one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever known. No matter where I was, she always made a attempt to speak to me. After my return from being gone for so many years, –she still remembered me and I will always remember her kindness, and invitations. What a lovely, lovely lady. It is comforting to know that we will see her and all our loved ones again. She certainly was a example of how God wants us to live. God bless all of you. Our love, and prayers
Mary and Jolyn Dillon