Mary (Gefre) Vetsch, 99, of Linton, ND, peacefully went to be with the Lord, on December 21, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Linton. Visitation will be one hour prior on Saturday. Burial will take place at St. Aloysius Cemetery.

Mary was born on July 17, 1925 to Carl and Elizabeth (Zacher) Gefre, on a farm near Hague, Where she cultivated a lifelong love for farm life on October 8, 1946 she married the love of her life Edward Vetsch at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Together, they farmed side by side, first near Wishek, then in 1957 on a farm near St. Aloysius Catholic Church. They farmed there, creating a beautiful partnership rooted in hard work and dedication, until 1982, when they moved to Linton. They then purchased a farm near Linton, and continued to farm until 2006, when they retired. Mary especially cherished raising chickens, her favorite part of farming. She could often be found sitting for hours, watching her flock, running and playing, finding simple joy in their antics.

A devote Catholic, Mary's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She prayed the rosary daily and was a lifelong Christian Mother. She raised her family with love and strong values. Her unwavering faith and kind spirit left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

Mary was incredibly independent and active. Well in her 90s, she took care of her yard on her own, a testament to her strength, determination, and pride in her home. Her yard was always beautifully maintained, reflecting her love of hard work and attention to detail. She was deeply grateful for the friends and family who helped her live independently until her passing, ensuring she could enjoy the comfort and familiarity of her home throughout her life.

Her love of visiting was legendary. She could spend hours on the phone, sharing stories, catching up on the latest news, and enjoying the warmth of conversation. Many times, during visits, she would talk in German, delighting family and friends with stories and phrases from the past. She also had a gift of making everyone feel special. Mary always greeted visitors with a compliment and never let them leave without telling them, "I love you."

Mary was a talented homemaker and found joy creating her family. She lovingly made blankets for her children and grandchildren, leaving behind treasured gifts stitched with care.

In addition to her dedication to family and faith, Mary served as a substitute cook at Odessa School, where her nurturing nature in love of cooking touched many young lives. She lovingly passed on her wonderful cooking skills to her children, ensuring that her cherished recipes and love for preparing meals would carry on through the generations.

Children held a special place in Mary's heart, especially her beloved grandchildren she delighted in their laughter, their curiosity, and their hugs. Whether it was baking treats, sharing stories, or simply watching them play, Mary's love for little ones was boundless and will be fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Mary survived by her four sisters, Sister Rosalind Gefre, MN, Rose Schumacher, SD, Angeline, Huber, WI, Bernice Chambers, NV; five Sons and daughters-in-law, Richard (Pauline) Vetsch, Horace, ND, Gary (Louise) Vetsch, Horace, ND, Collette Vetsch, Horace, ND, Jerome (Terri) Vetsch of Bismarck, ND, Kenny Vetsch, Bismarck, ND, Tom (Charlet) Vetsch, Hazelton, ND; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Betsy Vetsch, Linton, ND, Bernie (Dave) Schmidt, Linton, ND, and Rosalind (Larry) Leier, Hague, ND; 25 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Vetsch; Son, Jimmy Vetsch; four brother, Adam Gefre, John Gefre, Markus Gefre and Peter Gefre; and three sisters, Catherine Holzer, Maggie Mastel and Caroline Huber.

Mary's long and beautiful life was a testament to her faith, her love of family, and her devotion to the land she called home. Her gentle spirit, creative, hands, and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who are blessed to know her.

"I Love You!" ~ Mary Vetsch