Mary Joan Arbach

Mary Joan Arbach, 86, of Pierre and formerly of Hoven, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, Pierre.  Mary Joan Arbach left this earthly world behind to be reunited with her heavenly family and friends and to be with our Lord and Savior. Her faith never wavered, even through her suffering, it was always strong and prayerful.  A rosary was a constant in her hands.

Mass of Christian Burial were held at 1:00 p.m, Monday, May 3, 2021 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Pierre, with Fr. Joseph Holzhauser presiding. Visitation was one-hour prior to the service. Interment was Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis.

Mary Joan Titgen was born on May 11, 1934 in Bowdle, SD to George and Marie (Heinen) Titgen. She grew up on a farm outside of Tolstoy, SD, attending schools in Bowdle, California, and graduating from Hoven High School in 1952. On September 8, 1953, she was united in marriage to Norbert Arbach. To this union, four children were born: David (Char) Arbach of Aberdeen, Kurt (Marti) Arbach of Hoven, Cindy (Ron) Mittleider of Smithfield, NC and Laurie (Tom) Rausch of Pierre. They made their home and raised their family on a farm NW of Hoven.

Mary Joan worked various jobs in her lifetime. She was a loving housewife, mother, and a caregiver to her sickly mother.  She worked at Holy Infant Hospital in the laundry and as a nursing assistant. She worked as a secretary for Curt Baltz and Hericks Implement. She had many artistic talents. She held an office on the Arts Council. She did plastering-a skill inherited from her father. She loved to sew, sing, paint, draw, do wood carvings and ceramics. She enjoyed helping with the church restorations at St. Anthony's in Hoven. If she wasn't busy with arts and crafts, she enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and fishing. Many fishing memories were made with her fishing buddies Loretta Hartung and Bernadette Arbach. They invested in a station wagon which became their fishing wagon, loading it up and off to the river they went! The three ladies shared a special bond when it came to fishing, the arts, and friendship. Oh, the stories those ladies could tell!!

One of her greatest blessings was when she went on a trip to Medjugorie in Bosnia. Her rosary chain turned to gold and she saw the Miracle of the Sun. She captured a photo of Mary the Virgin Mother standing with a child in the front of her. Angels and faces were in the clouds. This was her most loved picture which she enjoyed sharing with everyone.

In 2012 Norbert and Mary Joan retired from farming and bought a home in Pierre, which just happened to be across the street from Laurie and Tom. When their health began to decline, Laurie and Tom were always there to lend a helping hand when one was needed. They were SO close that Mary Joan on occasion, to get their attention when they were outside (because she couldn't reach them on the phone) would step outside the doorway and blow her whistle "summoning them" because she wanted them for something!

She was a member of various organizations which included the Ladies Auxiliary, the American Legion, and the Catholic Foresters. For many years she was a member of St. Anthony's Choir.

One of Mary Joan's greatest joys were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She so loved it when they would stop by to visit her. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 13 1/2 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, parents, brother Dennis (Kathleen) Titgen and an infant sister who died at birth.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Mary Joan’s arrangements.