Mary Gietzen

A Funeral Mass for Mary Gietzen, 99, of Glen Ullin, will be 10:30 a.m. CT., Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Haymarsh, rural Glen Ullin with Father Gary Benz celebrating. Burial will take place in St. Clement’s cemetery.

Visitation for Mary will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glen Ullin Monday, March 17th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. CT., with a rosary and vigil service being held at 6:00 p.m. CT.

Mary passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Marian Manor Healthcare Center in Glen Ullin.

Mary Eloise was born May 11, 1925 in Bismarck, ND, the daughter of L.E. Jr. (Jake) and Ethel (McKee) Heaton. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Bismarck and later received her bachelor’s degree at St. Benedict’s College in St. Joseph, MN. After graduation, Mary moved to Glen Ullin to teach at the local school. On December 30, 1947, Mary married William Gietzen. Their marriage was blessed with 15 children.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker whose life was a testament of love, and unwavering dedication to her family. She embraced the joys and challenges of raising a large family with patience, perseverance, and a heart full of grace. Her strength was rooted in her faith, guiding her through every season of life. Mary enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning, and homemaking.

Mary was an avid reader, and proud of her world travels. She was involved in Homefront Women, the Glen Ullin and State School Board, and Youth Ministry. Together with her husband, William, she spent much time advocating Right to Life.

With many of her loved ones serving in the military, Mary took immense pride in their dedication to protecting and honoring this nation. After losing her son Gene in 1969 in the Vietnam War, she became a Gold Star Mother. Mary’s husband was also a World War II Veteran who served overseas in Japan. Seven of her own sons, along with many of her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have or are currently serving our country.

Mary was a member of St. Clement’s Catholic Church and St. Clement’s Christian Mothers. She will be dearly missed and forever loved.

Mary is survived by her sons, Russell, Glenn (Linda), Gregory (Lan), Aaron, Hilary (Sara); Peter (Cindy), Frederick; daughters, Margaret Gietzen, Anna (Jay) Brown, Virginia (John) Saiki, Catherine (Charlie) Holle; daughter-in-law, Rita Gietzen; 63 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren; sisters, Geneva Kurtz, Virginia Benz

She was preceded in death by her husband, William (2007); parents, L.E. and Ethel Heaton; children, Gene, James, Mary Kay, and Mark; daughter-in-law, Anh Gietzen.