Mary Ann Bigaouette

Mary Ann Bigaouette, age 66 of Belle Plaine, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019 at Abbott NW Hospital in Minneapolis surrounded by her loving family.  Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31 at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine, with Rev. Mark Johnson officiating.  Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, and also one hour prior to service time at the church on Friday.  Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

Mary Ann was born on November 16, 1952 to Armin and Maxine (Oppermann) Kruschke in New Prague, MN.  She graduated from Belle Plaine High School.  She attended and graduated from Golden Valley Lutheran College with her associate’s degree.  She married Gary “Biggy” Bigaouette in 1972.

She worked alongside her mother, who founded Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women, since 1982 when it had opened.  After her mother’s passing, in 1990, she was then appointed Executive Director and retired in 2018.

Mary Ann was always willing to help others, and was quick to volunteer.  She was involved with her church, even more so after retirement.  She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Jeremy (Tricia) Bigaouette of St. Cloud and Tonia (Mike) Siehndel of Prior Lake; grandchildren, Keagan, Peyton, Reagan, Nolan, and Callie; siblings, Judy Schultz and Frank Kruschke; sisters-in-law, Lyn Piche, Carmen Hokeness, Roxie Koch, and Susie Schmidt; brother-in-law, Dale Smith; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary in 2013; sister-in-law, Carol Smith; and parents-in-law, Ray and Fran Bigaouette.