Mary Jane Ranum, 73, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2017 at St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 2, 2017 Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. John Voelker officiating.  Burial will be at Rindal Cemetery, New Solum Township, Marshall County, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Mary Jane Carlson was born July 30, 1944 in Fargo, ND to Delmar and Lillian (Hogenson ) Carlson.  She was baptized September 17, 1944 at American Lutheran Church, and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Fargo in 1957.  She attended school in Fargo, ND and Fergus Falls, MN.

Mary was united in marriage to Gaylord Rachels in Fergus Falls, MN.  To this union 4 children were born.  Mary Jane was united in marriage to Kenneth Ranum in 1974.  They made their home in Fergus Falls, MN.  She operated a home daycare center for 18 years.  She was also a full time mother for 25 years.  She retired in 1994 and enjoyed traveling with her husband.  She was a caregiver to many.  They were always welcome in her home.  They moved to Thief River Falls in 1996.  Kenneth passed away in 2010 and Mary moved to Fergus Falls in 2011 to be near her sons.  In 2015, she moved to St. Cloud to be closer to her daughters.

Mary enjoyed reading, cooking, and baking for everyone.  They all knew where to go for holiday baked goods or at least the best recipes!  Canning and teaching the next generation was always her way, and now they are able to carry on the great things she always created.

She was active in the Northwest Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN; served on the Auxiliary Board for two terms, worked on many committees within the Auxiliary.  She was also a member at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Mary Jane Ranum is survived by her 4 children, Scott (Cindy) Rachels, Fergus Falls, MN; Todd (Leah) Rachels, Fergus Falls, MN; Andrea Jo (Charles) Schreifels, Sauk Rapids, MN; Michele (fiancé, Jim Widmer) Nicholls, Redwood Falls, MN; 5 step children, Debra Ranum, Madison, TN; Janet Koskela, Hallock, MN, Maureen (Rodney) Ranum, Mt. Iron, MN; Charlotte Rolling, Virginia, MN; Paula Ranum, Eveleth, MN; 16 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; parents, brothers, Harry Carlson, and Duane Carlson; sister, Arla Mae (Louis) Hagen; and sons-in-law, Bob Koskela and William Weese.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

Special Music:  Greg Dally & Paula Adamson

Selections:  Wind Beneath My Wings & Jesus Loves Me

Congregational Hymns: O God, Our Help In Ages Past & How Great Thou Art

Casketbearers:  Bill Koskela, John Koskela, Nicholas Ranum, Josh Rachels, Brian Ranum, Lee Johnson