Mary Fitchner Obituary
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Mary Ann Stevahn was born on May 26, 1942, a daughter of Adam and Anna (Ketterling) Stevahn in Wishek, ND. The family moved to Ray, ND, where she attended elementary school. In 1956, she moved to Minot, where she attended Dakota Lutheran High School, graduating in 1960. Mary Ann furthered her education by attending McPhail College of Music in Minneapolis, MN.
On June 29, 1963, Mary Ann was united in marriage to Ed Haugen. Together they had three sons and many adventures, starting with moving to northern British Columbia, Canada to homestead a farm. While in BC, she earned her ARCT (Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music) and taught music at the Langley Community School of Music. They lived there until 1979, when they moved to the Haugen farm near Berthold, ND. The couple would later divorce.
On February 4, 1990, Mary Ann was united in marriage to Leland Fitchner. She enrolled at Minot State University, and in 1992, earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Leland passed from a work accident on July 17, 1995.
Mary Ann was a charter member of Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot, where she served as the pianist for several years. Mary Ann served as a piano teacher for over 60 years.
When Jesus stated the words in John 16:33, He could very well have had Mary Ann in His thoughts. Look up the verse. If you know her life, then you'll agree. Anyone who knew her, knows of the many "lemons" that were sent her way in one form or another throughout her life. Mary Ann chose positivity and turned to faith, in dealing with the sour parts to her life, and in turn opened up the world's largest "lemonade stand." People were drawn to it. The last few years of her life, she needed many caretakers for her physical well-being, but she was the caregiver of hundreds, for their mental and spiritual well-being. Well done, good and faithful servant of God.
She is survived by her children, Michael Haugen of Woodbury, MN, Mark (Kim) Haugen of Minot, Jonathan (Norine) Haugen of Bismarck; grandchildren, Dalton (Jessica)Haugen, Justin (Michaela) Haugen, Leah (Eric) Brown, Sarah (Zach) Wiest, Abby (Drew) Ellison, Katie Haugen, and Jacob Haugen; great-grandchildren: Anna, Emma, Argy, and Alan Haugen, Mason, Taylor, and Audra Dodge; brother-in-law: Harold Randall; Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leland, siblings Diana Randall and Joyce Ziegler; special friends Harold Rosenthal and Archie Robillard.
Visitation: Friday, October 10, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Funeral Service: Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00 am at Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot.
Burial: Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at https://m.youtube.com/@breadoflife-minotnd
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Webb E Naas
October 10, 2025
Mary Ann and I were classmates for four years at Dakota Lutheran Academy. In our senior year, we performed a joint piano recital. After graduation, we went on separate journeys, but years ago, we reconnected at an all-school reunion. That led to a regular correspondence. Then, the health gods dealt her a dreadful blow. That's when I realized what Mary Ann was made of. She never complained. She remained engaged, curious, and took advantage of every variety of technology available to remain in touch with friends. After every communication that I shared with her, there was a lilt in my gait. SHE, who was physically challenged, gave strength to US!
She was a blessing in my life and in the lives of so many others.
Blessed be her memory, and may she Rest in Peace.
Webb Naas
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