Mary Ann Gusenius

WEBSTER - Maryann Gusenius, 83, of Webster, SD, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Bethesda Home.

Memorial Services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 2, 2023, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Webster and will be livestreamed on Fiksdal Funeral Service Facebook page. Inurnment will be at the Webster Cemetery. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow burial at St. John's Lutheran Church. Memorial visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday September 1, 2023, at the funeral home and will close with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m.

Mary Ann (Maryann) Gullickson was born on September 15, 1939, to John and Anna (Froslie) Gullickson in Day County. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Pauli Lutheran Church near Wallace. She graduated from Wallace High School in 1957. In 1987 she continued her education, first received her LPN from Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, South Dakota and later earned her Associate Nursing degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. Maryann was also active for 20+ years for University Week for Women at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. Maryann married James “Jim” Gusenius on September 27, 1958, at St. Pauli Lutheran Church. The couple made their home near Lily, South Dakota. To this union five children were born: Peter, Matthew, Jewel, Peggy, and Cindy. The family farmed until 2000 when they moved to Webster, South Dakota. Maryann was a 4-H Leader during her children’s school years and continued her own exhibits in later years. Her proudest achievement was her nursing career of over 30 years. She worked at Webster Hospital, Bethesda Nursing Home, and Christenson Ambulance. The couple spent several years wintering in Arizona before Jim passed away in 2016. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster where she was active in Women’s Bible Study (Circle) and the church’s quilting group. She served on both St. Pauli Cemetery and Hosanger Cemetery Associations. She was also a member of the Sons of Norway, Webster Arts Council, Day County Museum, and Andover Threshing Bee. Maryann was extremely proud of her Norwegian Heritage and was always ready to make Lefsa, Lutefisk, and especially Biscotti cookies to share with friends. She enjoyed baking, flower gardens, and decorating her yard. She collected all antiques, but especially enjoyed collecting Head Vases. Maryann entered Bethesda Nursing Home in October 2019. She passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Bethesda at 83 years, 11 months, and 2 days. Maryann is survived by her two sons, Peter (Cheryl “Sherry”) Gusenius of Keldron, SD, Matthew (Theresa) Gusenius of Rochester, MN; two daughters, Jewel (Luis) Viteri of Hagerstown, MD, Peggy (Mark) Johnson of Athens, GA; one sister, June (Dale) Snyder of Hartford, SD; one brother-in-law, Delmar (Karen) Gusenius of Prescott Valley, AZ; and special friend JoAnn (Jim) Oswskey of Elk River, MN; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and one-on-the-way. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna; her husband, Jim; her daughter, Cindy Spears; and nephew, Jonpaul Snyder.