Mary Anne Abner

Mary Anne Abner, 74, of Benson, died on Friday, morning, July 16, 2021, at St. Cloud Hospital. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30 ^th , 2021, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon. A reception will immediately follow the mass at the Benson Golf Club.  Private interment will be in the Our Redeemer’s Cemetery in Benson. Memorials can be directed to the Swift County Humane Society.

Mary Anne Abner was born on January 8 ^th , 1947, in Appleton, Minnesota, the daughter of Richard and Ione Rooney.  She was baptized and received her first communion at St. John’s Catholic Church in Appleton and was confirmed at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson.  She attended grade school in Appleton and at St. Francis Catholic School.  She graduated from Benson High School in 1965, attended St. Cloud State University and was employed by Travelers Insurance.

On June 16, 1967, after dating since the 10 ^th grade, Mary Anne was united in marriage to Mick Abner at St. Francis Catholic Church.  This union was blessed with over 54 years of marriage and two children.  Throughout their marriage, they lived in Nebraska, Iowa and a variety of locations in Minnesota.  They eventually settled back in Benson and have remained here since 1979.  For most of her life, Mary Anne was a dedicated homemaker and stay-at-home mom caring for her children and numerous pets.

Mary Anne loved to read, garden, cross-stitch, organize and be anywhere with her grandchildren.  She excelled at growing (and collecting) green plants and got excited every time she walked into a flower shop, nursery or landscape center.  She loved desserts, going for rides, dining out, shopping and decorating.  More than anything, Mary Anne enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and she never missed an opportunity to brag about their latest accomplishments and activities.  She was called from this life on Friday morning, July 16, 2021 at St. Cloud Hospital.  She attained the age of 74 years, 6 months, and 8 days.

Mary Anne is survived by her husband, Mick Abner of Benson; her children, Stacy (Dan) Hanson of Woodbury, Minnesota and Andy (Robyn) Abner of Benson; her 6 grandchildren:  Abby, Ben and Will Hanson of Woodbury and Gunnar, Isabelle and Gabe Abner of Benson; her siblings: Pat Rooney of New York, New York, Kelly Rooney of Fullerton, California and Gerri Kay (Kevin) Schwendemann of DeGraff; her aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, many beloved nieces and nephews and many dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her granddaughters, Eliza and Julia Abner; her parents, Richard and Ione Rooney; and her parents-in-law, Ray Abner and Lucille Hanson. Blessed be her memory.

Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.