MaryAnn Ochs, age 80

MaryAnn Ochs

MaryAnn Ochs, age 80, Aberdeen, S.D., died May 3, 2017, at her home. 
 
  MaryAnn, daughter of LeRoy and Florence Dugan was born December 29, 1936 in Murdo, S.D.  She attended country school where she was taught by her future sister-in-law, later attending Murdo High School, and then Dakota Wesleyan University. She went to work for Jones County Abstract Co. in Murdo after college. In 1956 MaryAnn moved to Pierre where she worked for the Department of Instruction. It was during this time, she met her future husband of 45 years, Louis “Bud” J. Ochs. She later moved to Aberdeen, where she worked for the Department of Health Education and Welfare. 
 
  MaryAnn and Bud were married March 18, 1961. She worked until the birth of the first of their five sons. She stayed at home raising their sons until she and Bud started Ochs Construction Co. in 1971. They ran Ochs Construction until retirement in 2001. Together they were instrumental in developing Storybook Land and the BMX track both of which are still big area attractions today.
 
She will always be remembered for her kind heart and generous spirit, giving gifts when they were least expected. MaryAnn enjoyed playing bridge, cards and volunteering her time for local service agencies and working at the courthouse during elections. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she was involved with the Altar Society serving on various committees including funeral dinners and bazaars.
 
  Her greatest joy in life, however, was her family. Grateful for having shared her life are her sons, David L. (Annette) Ochs of Aberdeen, Richard J. Ochs of Humboldt, S.D., Thomas M. (Gail) Ochs of Aberdeen, William G. Ochs of Aberdeen and Jeffrey J. (Nicole Rudolph) Ochs of Greenfield, Ind.,; six grandchildren, Tasia, Brady, Kaitlin, Ireland and Summer Ochs and Christopher Melcher-Ochs; three step-grandchildren, Taylor (Travis) Swisher and Brady and Madyson Ogdahl; great-grandson, Rylee Melcher and brother, James Dugan of Buffalo Gap, S.D.
 
  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Merle Dugan, Donald “Babe” Dugan and Robert “Bob” Dugan.
 
  The family would like to thank her two special angels, Rose and Melissa for all their support and help with her care over the last years of her life.
 
A memorial service was held on  Monday, May 8, 2017, at Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory.  The Rev. Michael Griffin officiated. Inurnment was in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
 
  Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory of Aberdeen has been entrusted with arrangements.  www.carlsenfh.com

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