Marie Gussiaas, age 81, of Carrington, ND, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2014, surrounded by those that meant the most, her family. Marie courageously battled cancer and died with dignity.

Marie Carr was born on February 6, 1933, the daughter of Edward and Irene (Theis) Carr at her parents’ farm in rural Carrington. She was the only daughter in her family and had fond memories of time spent with her parents, grandparents, four brothers, cousins, and aunts and uncles. She attended rural grade school and finished grade school in Carrington. She graduated from Carrington High School in 1951.

On December 24,1956, Marie was united in marriage to Mervin Gussiaas of Carrington. She worked as a bookkeeper at Farmer’s Union Oil Company before her marriage and up until the birth of their first child. During their lifetime, Marie and Mervin enjoyed traveling to many states and countries. They both loved farming and working together. They found great pleasure in working towards common goals especially improving the farm. Marie was interested in politics and enjoyed traveling but her true interest and passion was gardening. She took her gardening to a new level when she became a Master Gardener. She found great joy in starting plants from seed and sharing the plants with family and others. Marie got great satisfaction over her lifetime as she watched many small trees she planted grow to be large and beautiful. She always said she planted trees not for herself but for posterity. Her yard was featured in two garden tours with one sponsored by NDSU Extension Service and the other as part of the Carrington Hospital Auxiliary Yard tour. She also loved cooking and entertaining family and friends.

Marie had a love for life. She spent her days caring for family but wouldn’t have had it any other way. Family was very important to her and she loved spending time with them. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were especially meaningful to her. Marie loved talking with them and watching them grow and change.

She was actively involved in several organizations, and sat on the boards of Carrington Hospital Auxiliary Board, Putnam House Board, Carrington Township Board and served as a 4-H leader for many years.

Marie is survived by her four children, Kevin of Manhattan, NY, Karen (Robbie) Smith, Monticello, MN, Roger (Nurgul) of Carrington, and Kathy (Curt) Reynolds, Chaska, MN; six grandchildren Brittney (Bryce) Brunswig, Omaha, NE, Brock Gussiaas, Carrington, Amanda Gussiaas, Fargo, ND, Maree and Kayla Smith, Monticello, Mariah Reynolds, Chaska; two great-grandchildren, Ainsleigh and Hudson Brunswig, Omaha; two brothers, James (Connie) Carr and Michael (Darlene) Carr both of Carrington; sisters-in-law, Ingeborg Carr and Judy Swanson both of Carrington, and Mabel (Daris) Bittner, Cathay, ND; and brothers-in-law Henry (Phyllis) Gussiaas, Carrington, and Laverne (Beatrice) Gussiaas, New Rockford.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mervin in 2000; her parents, Edward and Irene Carr; and two brothers, Raymond and Patrick Carr.

The family of Marie Gussiaas wish to express their appreciation for your many kindnesses evidenced in thought and deed, and for your attendance at the services celebrating her life. Everyone is invited to join the family for fellowship immediately following the committal service.

PRAYER SERVICE:

Thursday at 7PM in Evans Funeral Home, Carrington

FUNERAL SERVICE:

Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington

DATE AND TIME:

Friday, April 11, 2014 at 10:30AM

BURIAL:

Carrington Cemetery, Carrington