Mary Stewart

Mary M. (Valk) Stewart, 85, of Mandan was called home on April 7, 2025. She passed peacefully in her sleep in the home she lovingly built with her husband of 64 years, Terry. She fought Alzheimer’s disease for five years, amazing us all with her efforts to hold on to as many of her precious memories as possible. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 25 at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan with Fr. Keith Streifel presiding. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Thursday, April 24 with a Rosary/Parish Vigil at 6 PM at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan.

Mary was born in Stanley, WI on April 20, 1939 to Catherine and Francis Valk, the ninth of ten children, five girls and five boys. She loved sharing stories of her childhood and the joy of coming from a close, large and loving family. She attended and graduated from school in Stanley and spoke often of her job at the bank in Thorp. After high school she married the great love of her life, Terry Stewart in June, 1960. They welcomed three children in Wisconsin and then moved to Mandan in 1968 to join Terry’s family in the dairy business. They welcomed their youngest son in Mandan.

Their life was full as they raised their children, keeping up with their many activities. She still found time to be involved in volunteer activities, church, and many wonderful friendships. As her family grew, she entered the workforce with a job in the Morton County Courts, then a run for the office of Morton County Recorder. The job she held until her retirement in 2006. During her office position she was the official for many wedding ceremonies, a duty that brought her a lot of joy.

Her pride and joy was their home South of Mandan, where she loved to host friends and family for Egg hunts and many potluck picnics. Her unconditional love and joy were a staple for our family and for many in the community.

Mary is survived by her four children, Theresa Stewart, Dale (Angela) Stewart, Deanne (Jim) Wangler and Nathan (Marian) Stewart; daughter-in-law, Deb Stewart; 10 wonderful grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; two brothers, Ed (Ione) Valk and Jerry (Georgie) Valk; brother-in-law, Jim (Sandy) Stewart as well as many in-laws, nieces and nephews and loving family friends, Gene (Lyla) Himmelspach and family.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Terry (February 2025), her parents, three brothers and five sisters.