View Mary's Funeral Folder Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 21, 2012 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2012 with a 6:30 p.m. rosary service and 7:00 p.m. scripture service, all at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller. Mary Carol (Arth) Christopherson was born December 14, 1950, to Paul and Caroline (Fischer) Arth in Wahpeton, ND. Mary grew up on farms north of Cayuga and Geneseo, ND. She graduated valedictorian of her class in 1968 from St. Francis Academy, Hankinson, ND. She continued her education at Presentation College and Northern State University, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelors of Science degree in education. Mary taught at Banner School in the Faulkton, SD, district from 1972 to 1975 and then in the Rice Lake School in the Highmore, SD, district from 1975 to 1976. From 1977 to 1980, she taught fourth grade in Milnor, ND, before moving to the Miller School District. Mary taught at Bates School and Mondamin before finally teaching in Miller until her retirement in 2010. Mrs. C’s students have commented on her good sense of humor and many songs, while their parents noted how much she helped and cared for her students. On August 3, 1974, she was united in marriage to Randy Christopherson in Orient, SD. These complete opposite personalities shared their lives and had three talented children and five beautiful grandchildren. Matthew Carter was born March 29, 1977. He and his wife Amy have two children: RyLeigh Ann and Carter Dean. Michael Alan was born November 2, 1979. He and his wife Corinna have two children: Katelyn Marie and Emily Sue. Nicole Leigh was born March 14, 1981. She and her husband Joshua Biever have one daughter: Elizabeth Caroline. Mary’s grandchildren were the light of her life. They loved the poems she wrote and the buns she baked for them. They all loved to dance and do projects together. Mary was devoted to the Catholic faith, her patron saint, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the rosary. Her interests included dancing, baking, and collecting recipes and nativity sets. She cherished her friendships with fellow choir members and teachers. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, four brothers, and four sisters: Lawrence (Carol) Arth, Michael (Wava) Arth, Francis Arth, Marguerite (Don) Fauss, Thomas (Janet) Arth, Barbara (Steve) Melroe, Michele (Art) Gilbertsen, Denise Arth (Frank Racaniello); sisters-in-law, Mary Etta Arth and Theresa Arth; sister-in-spirit, Terice (Mark) Ketelhut, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. In lieu of flowers, Mary requested memorials be directed to a local charity of your choice. Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Mary’s arrangements.
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Mary Christopherson, 61, of Miller, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, Miller from pancreatic cancer.
Mary was adamant about having no flowers at her funeral. Instead, a handmade, wooden cross has been lovingly made by her nephew and godchild, Aaron Fauss, and placed on her casket.
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