After a courageous battle with cancer, Mary Ann Kossan of Mandan, North Dakota, succumbed to the disease on June 29, 2023, in her home surrounded by family.
True to her spunky and bold nature, Mary graced the world with her presence on the Leppert family farm, in the car, on the way to the hospital on November 10, 1988. Mary is the third child of Joel Leppert and Quinta Winrod, and grew up primarily in North Dakota. She attended Litchville-Marion High School, where she was active in many school activities. Mary was beloved by her classmates and teachers. She became a massage therapist after graduating from Bismarck State College. Mary took extreme pride in her work and started her own business, which she excelled at. Her clients became her family. Mary married the love of her life, Justin Kossan on September 1, 2012. Together, they built a beautiful home which they filled with love, laughter, delicious baked and canned goodies, a dog (Gus), two cats (Tom and Jerry), a goat (Harmon), three horses (Sugar, Taz and Skipper – No, the horses did not live in the house although if there had been room, there is no doubt Mary would have found a way to make it happen).
Justin and Mary were blessed with 10 years of marriage.
On Oct. 2 2021 their beautiful daughter, Yara was born. What a beautiful surprise she was and has filled Mary’s life with so much love and joy.
Mary taught those who loved her many life lessons – persistence, grace, loyalty, love, and forgiveness. Mary lit up a room with her beaming smile and magnetic energy. She was a loyal wife, loving mother, the best Aunt Meme, thoughtful sister, sweet cousin, caring daughter, and sincere friend. Mary was passionate about her family farm located near Dickey, North Dakota, returning often to spend time gardening with her Dad. Mary enjoyed finding the perfect antiques to fill her home, going to concerts with friends and jigging fish with Justin.
Mary was preceded in death by her twin brother Matthew Leppert, Grandpa Roger Leppert, Cousin Jesse Leppert, Great Uncles Hank and Harlan, and Great Aunt Inez. Mary lives on in the memories of her husband, daughter, siblings, father, grandmother, cousins, friends, and all of those whose life she touched with her love and laugher.
A graveside service will be held for Mary on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Sanger Cemetery near Sanger, North Dakota at 11 a.m.
Donations are welcome and will be placed in a trust for her daughter Yara.