Maryann Louise Lessard, 86 of Oklee, MN passed away Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND with her loving family at her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier, Oklee Friday, February 17, 2017 at 2:00 PM with Father Adam Hamness Officiating. Burial will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Oklee, MN.

Visitation will be held Friday 12:00 PM till the time of service on Friday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Maryann Louise Nistler was born July 27, 1930 at Federal Dam, MN to Andrew Aloyssis and Marie Rose (Neururer) Nistler. She grew up in Federal Dam and attended school there until the age of 14. She and her family moved to Oklee, MN, where Maryann graduated from Oklee High School in 1948.

Maryann was united in marriage to Raymond Clifford Lessard, October 22, 1949 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Oklee, MN. The couple made their home between Oklee and Brooks, MN. Before Maryann was married, she worked for a short time at Melby's grocery store. She then stayed home and raised her family and helped out on the farm. Maryann also worked as a waitress at the Arcady Inn, the Farmer's Club, and Oklee Bowling Alley.

Maryann enjoyed being active in St. Francis Xavier Church, the Ladies Guild, and American Legion Auxiliary. She also volunteered at the Senior Site in Oklee. She was an avid quilter, enjoyed embroidery and crafting. Maryann loved flowers, gardening and yard work. "I always liked to be busy, especially outside; but not in the winter." She loved to cook for others and no one ever left hungry.

In 2010 Maryann moved from the family farm into Freedom Living Center in Oklee, MN and later moved to Greenleaf Senior Living in Thief River Falls, MN.

She is survived by 5 of her children: John, Oklee, MN; James (Myrna), Brooks, MN; Annette (David) Dunning, Perham, MN; Elaine (Steve) Jorstad, Fargo, ND; Barb (Greg) Guzek, Thief River Falls, MN; daughters-in-law Kathryn Enright, Bemidji, MN; Rebecca Lessard, Empire, MI; Grandchildren: Jesse (Amy) Lessard; Chris (Leslie) Lessard; Genevieve (Ed) Cook, Naomi and Adelore Lessard; Justin (Marissa) Dunning, Alison (Dustin) Elliott, Ambrose (Alexandria) Lessard, Iris Lessard; Tyson and Noah Jorstad; Brittany (Bryce) Campbell, Lindsey Guzek; step-grandchildren: Gene (Darby) Trontvedt, Michelle (Craig) Magnell, Wade Parsley, and Chad (Amy) Parsley; great grandchildren: Brea and Keegan Lessard; Braeden and Ella Lessard; Triston Dunning; Hazel and Theodore Elliott; Ashton Lessard; and step great grandchildren: Cody (Brianna) and Kaytlin Trontvedt; Tanner, Ian, Brock and Carter Magnell; Cameron and Kylie Parsley and Tyler and Jaylee Parsley; brother Joseph Nistler, Delta Junction, AK; 2 sisters Cecelia Nistler, Moorhead, MN, Agnes (Harry) Rushing, LaPorte, TX, sisters-in-law Delia Nistler and Eula Nistler, and many nieces and nephews.

Maryann was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, sons Gerald "Jerry" and Donald, 1 grandson Nathan Guzek, step-great grandson Jacob Parsley, her parents and daughter-in-law Ramona, brothers Leo Nistler, and Paul Nistler, sister-in-law Bette Nistler.