Mary Ann Synstelien

Mary Ann Synstelien, 82, died Thursday, November 14, 2019, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes.

Mary Ann (Wilkins) Synstelien was born in Park Rapids to Warren and Lola Mae (Thatcher) Wilkins February 7, 1937, at home. At the age of five, Mary Ann’s mother taught her to play the piano and then went on to formal training in Park Rapids. She attended Park Rapids grade school and high school, taking up art, playing the french horn in band, and singing in the choir. She grew up Methodist, but was inspired by a tour of Concordia College to become Lutheran. She enrolled in Concordia College (Moorhead), studying art and music for 2 years. While at Concordia, she met the man of her life, Floyd Synstelien. In 1957, Mary Ann and Floyd were married at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dalton.

Mary Ann knew how to connect with people and enjoyed her role as a pastor’s wife. She worked as a doctor’s assistant and pharmacy tech for many years. She served the church playing piano and organ, singing, and playing the bells. She was a gifted artist and used her abilities to benefit others and spread joy to everyone she knew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Lola Mae; her brothers, Charles and Edward Wilkins.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Floyd Synstelien of Lake Park; five children, Lola Ann (Bruce) Perkett of Newburgh, IN, Gregory Synstelien of Lake Park, Nathaniel Synstelien of Alexandria, Deborah (John) Monson of Cannon Falls, and Rebecca (Keith) Koivisto of Buffalo; 13 grandchildren, Matthew (Emily) Perkett, Suzanne Perkett, Janine Perkett, Zachary Synstelien, Natalie Synstelien, Gabriel Synstelien, Thomas (Samantha) Monson, Kjersten Monson, Michael Monson, Jonathan Monson, Kayla Koivisto, Krista Koivisto, Elizabeth Ann Koivisto; two great-grandchildren, Hudson and Elias; sister-in-law, Beverly Wilkins of Montana, and also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Visitation: Sunday, November 17, 2019, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Cormorant Lutheran Church, Cormorant, MN
Service: Monday, November 18, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Cormorant Lutheran Church
Clergy: Deacon Yvonne Steindal
Interment: Ten Mile Lake Cemetery, Dalton, MN (immediately following the luncheon)
Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com