Mary Ann Welvaert

Mary Ann (Claeys) Welvaert was born on December 8, 1916, in Ghent, to Leopold “Paul” and Elizabeth (Stassen) Claeys. She grew up and attended country school in rural Ghent. On August 28, 1940, she was united in marriage to Richard Welvaert. The couple farmed near Green Valley for a couple of years before moving to Ghent. They farmed near Ghent until moving to Marshall in 1977. Mary enjoyed gardening, canning and baking. She was most passionate about her faith. Mary also babysat in various church nurseries in Marshall for many years. She was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Ghent. Mary died on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at the Minneota Manor in Minneota. She is survived by her children Dean (and Sheila) of Republic, WA, Ronald (and Kathie) of Rosemount, Patrick (and Brenda) of Lynd, Dick (and Pauline) of Marshall, Mary Jo (and Jeffrey) Buesing of Marshall, Bruce (and Patti) of Ghent, 24 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her parents, sisters Adeline Polfliet and Louise Blomme and her brother Francis Claeys.