Mary Ann (Reding) Tigges was born on Sept. 11, 1936, in Fort Dodge to John and Mary (Serres) Reding. She grew up on a farm on Lotts Creek Road near Whittemore. She graduated from Presentation Academy in Whittemore in 1954. Mary Ann was Vice-President and Valedictorian of her class and went on to work at Farmer’s State Bank the very next day after her high school graduation. She loved dancing and met her lifelong dance partner, Bernard “Bernie” Tigges at the Plantation Ballroom while accompanied by her two sisters.

Bernard and Mary Ann were married on April 8, 1958, at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Whittemore, where they continued to attend mass together for the next 67 years of their marriage. They were blessed with four children Doug, Jan, Mark and Merle.

Mary Ann stayed active throughout her life. She loved being outside and enjoyed working on the farm. She was very ambitious and was never shy about hard work. Mary Ann was Bernard’s right-hand woman on the farm and in their DEKALB Seed Sales business, which they worked together for over 25 years, meeting many new friends through this venture.

She enjoyed coffee and conversation at the Fenton Library, playing cards with friends, ballroom dancing, and spending time in her vegetable garden. Mary Ann was a wonderful cook and baker. She was known for her homemade cinnamon and pecan rolls, scotcheroos as well as baking hundreds of gluten-free cookies for her granddaughters to grab from the freezer.

Mary Ann was a wonderful grandma. She had great passion for watching her children and grandchildren compete in sports and supported them in all their activities. She never complained about sitting on a bleacher. She loved a good joke from the grandkids and was always very generous and quick to grab her checkbook for whatever fundraisers they were doing.

Church was a very important part of Mary Ann’s life. Mary Ann was a devout Catholic and a supporter of Catholic Charities. She was active in Rosary Society and Catholic Daughters of America for many years. She was also active on committees at KRHC and Kossuth County Soil Conservation Board, as well as a Fenton Forwards 4-H leader and a member of Fenton’s Club of the 70’s.

Mary Ann loved and honored God, her husband Bernard, and her family. She was the strength and spark of her family. Mary Ann’s determination, strength, focus, attention to detail and work ethic remain unmatched. She gave generously, loved unconditionally, and cherished her family. Her wisdom, quick sense of humor, love of laughter and dedicated support will remain entrenched in our lives forever. Mary Ann touched so many lives. Her sincerity and passion for life will continue to be our inspiration to be the best version of ourselves through Jesus Christ.

Mary Ann died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Accura Healthcare of Bancroft at age of 89.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, brother John, sisters Helen (Ross) Inman, Alice (Ivan) Mader, brothers-in-law, Marvin Tigges, Ed (Mae) Tigges, sisters-in-law, Mary Jo and Alice.

She is survived by her husband, Bernard and children, Doug (Barb) of Woodbury, Minn., Jan (Ron) Bisbee of Winterport, Maine, Mark (Dianne) of Mason City, Iowa, and Merle (Kelly) of Fenton, Iowa. Grandchildren Andrew, Kayla (Sam)and Nathan Tigges; Wyatt, Tanner (Emma) Bisbee; Maleri (Clinton) Schilling, Madison (Johnny) Kettering, Meredith and Madelyn Tigges, and great grandchildren June, Mack and Eugene Schilling. Brother-in-law Gene Tigges (Charlene) of Armstrong, and sister-in-law Mary Tigges (Late Marvin) of Algona, and many nieces and nephews and their families on the Reding and Tigges sides and so many special friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of Accura of Bancroft Healthcare for caring compassionately for Mary Ann and Gentiva hospice for their attentive care as well. And thank you to Divine Mercy Parishes and Oakcrest for care in arrangements. And a special thank you to Father Zack for anointing and blessing Mary Ann and for guiding us in prayer during the most difficult of times.

Arrangements were handled by Oakcrest Funeral Services. Condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

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