Ann McPherson

Ann Marie McPherson, 65, Mandan, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023 at her home after a five-and-a-half-year courageous battle with cancer.

The Celebration of Life for Ann will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, September 8, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. The family will begin greeting guests an hour before the service begins.

Ann was born to Dr. Edward and Shirley Keller of Dickinson, ND on March, 24, 1958.  She attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and Trinity High School where she graduated in 1976. She attended Moorhead State University earning a degree in early childhood education. The following year she taught 6th grade in Pierz, MN, then moved to Mandan where she spent the next 36 years teaching; eight at St. Josephs in Mandan and 28 at the North Dakota Youth Correctional Center.

Ann met Mitch McPherson in 2008 and they were married on May 1, 2015.  She loved Mitch dearly and said to her siblings many times, “Mitch is the best guy I could ever ask for.”

Ann and her mother, along with 15 other women started Chapter BF of the PEO Organization in Mandan where they were proud sisters in philanthropic work that helped educate women across the world. She was a dedicated volunteer to Art in The Park in Mandan and worked tirelessly on the Mandan Park and Recreation Board.  Ann had a big place in her heart for Medora where she worked summers while in High School and volunteered later in life. She retired from teaching in 2020 and on June 1, 2020, the United States flag was flown over the North Dakota Capitol in honor of her service to the State of North Dakota. 

She had a passion for everything small; especially children and her home reflected this passion. Two pieces of art that wonderfully captured her spirit said “Unattended children will be given candy and a free puppy,” and “Let us put our minds together to see what we can build for our children.”

Ann’s beloved son, Weston (Brooke) Wiedrich, was born in 1984. Weston and Brooke (Bismarck, ND) are parents to seven of Ann’s grandchildren: Lily, Jaden, Elliot, Kinley, Garrett, Hadley and Sawyer. These seven children were dearly loved by Ann; she was so proud to be their grandmother, loved to attend their activities and boast of their accomplishments.

In addition, Ann was privileged and grateful to be a grandmother to Jensen Brand (Arielle McPherson Brand and Brian, Phoenix, AZ), Jenner and Madden McPherson (Matt and McKenzie McPherson, Bismarck, ND).  Ann was welcomed and loved by Mitch’s two brothers, one sister and his mother and father.  Ann and Mitch shared personal bonds with their extended family that will only strengthen in the coming years.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Edward and Shirley and sadly leaves behind her six siblings: Ed, John, Mary, Tom, Joe and Paul and their spouses. Ann also was loved by 15 nieces and nephews, their spouses and their children.  She deeply cared for each and every one of them.

“I thank all the doctors and nurses at Sanford Hospital for their care and compassion. Everyone be kind to everyone and take time to write thank you notes.” ~Ann