Mary Anne Lakner
July 25, 1930 ~ March 26, 2017
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On Sunday, March 26, 2017, heaven welcomed a new angel, Mary Anne Lakner, 86, of Wessington, slipped peacefully from this earth, surrounded by her loving family at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.
Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Wessington with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at the St. Joseph's Cemetery, Wessington. Rosary service began at 6:00 p.m. followed by a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, Tuesday, March 28, 2017, all at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Wessington.
Mary Anne Lichty was born July 25, 1930 to George Jr. and Cecelia (Simons) Lichty on the Simons family farm west of Wessington. She joined a brother, William, and the family later grew with the arrival of a brother, Paul, and sister, Agnes.
She attended grades 1-8 at the Springdale School. As a freshman in high school, she lived with relatives in Huron and attended Catholic high school there. Missing her family and friends, she returned home to finish high school in Wessington, graduating in 1948. Mary Anne went on to complete a short teacher certification program at Northern Normal College and taught one semester at a country school south of Wessington.
On June 21, 1949 she married her high school sweetheart, Stanlee Lakner, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. They were attended by their best friends (as well as brother and sister) Bill and Luane (Lakner) Lichty. They honeymooned in the Black Hills before returning to Wessington to begin their life together on the John Lakner farm north of Wessington.
In 1957 they purchased the “Sam McGirr” place 3 ½ miles north of Wessington and moved there with their young family. They were active members of the Wessington Community and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
When their youngest son returned to join the farming operation in 1981, they decided to build a new home across the road. Mary Anne spent many happy hours planning the new home which was her pride and joy. Retiring from active farming life, Mary Anne and Stanlee enjoyed fishing, doing battle with “one armed bandits”, camping and traveling to visit family and friends. Mary Anne was probably one of the first and most loyal Twins baseball fan ever. She stuck with them through the good seasons and bad and never lost hope.
Mary Anne is survived by her husband of 67 years, Stanlee; her seven children: Kathleen (Ron) Innes, Oro Valley, AZ; Linda (Tim) Englert, Wadsworth, OH; Jim Lakner, Wessington: Joan (Paul) Caskey, Madison, WI; Jeff (Myrna) Lakner, Wessington; Lisa Lakner-Medrano, San Antonio, TX; and Chris (Bradley) Cordts, Germantown, TN; one sister, Agnes Koeck; four sisters-in-law, Luane Lichty, Evelyn Lichty, Vivian Jones, and Patricia Naber; thirteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents, George and Cecelia; and her brothers, Bill and Paul.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mary Anne’s memory to St. Ann’s Parish Center Building Fund, Wessington Volunteer Fire and Ambulance, or a charity of your choice.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Mary Anne's arrangements.
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We are sorry for your family’s loss you are in our prayers
I am so sorry to hear of MaryAnne’s passing. We all have such warm memories of our New Years day Lakner/Siegling family get together’s..long, long ago! My hope is you find peace in your memories and comfort in each other during this difficult time.
My sincere sympathy to the family of MaryAnne Lakner.
Our deepest condolences to the families. We are so sorry to learn of the loss of Mary Anne Lakner. May you find comfort in sharing cherished moments and memories. God Bless Mary Anne
Our thoughts are with you, Stanlee and family. So happy that we got to visit with the both of you last summer.
Sincere sympathy on this sad news. Your family will be remembered in my prayers. Deanna Sanderson
So sorry for your loss
Sorry to here of your loss she will be missed Our Deepest Sympathy Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mary Anne’s passing. I have had only two favorite people in my life and now I have none. May her soul rest in peace, with heart felt sympathy. Ken
We have so much history with the Lakner family and Whiteside township. Mary Anne was a gem. I had the pleasure of visiting with her during her brief stay at Sunquest where my mother is. She was still a gentle, caring person even when she didn’t feel the best herself. She will be greatly missed. Wishing we could be there personally to extend our sympathy to your family. However, know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rennae and Dave
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Lakner family, May God bless you all during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May those around you, give you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Brad and Brenda Williams Stabler
Lakner family, May God bless you all during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May those around you, give you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Brad and Brenda Williams Stabler
May God’s peace & love surround your family as you mourn the loss of your loved one.