Mary Colling Obituary

Mary Anne Colling

August 13, 1933 - January 23, 2026

Mary Anne Colling passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on January 23, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating Mary's blessed life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7 at Church of Corpus Christi (1919 N. 2nd Street), Bismarck. Friends and family are welcome to gather one hour prior in the main gathering space.

She was born August 13, 1933, to Oswin and Josephine Schmitz in Golva, North Dakota, where she was raised with her brother, Tom. Mary began her professional life as a registered nurse at St. Alexius in Bismarck before marrying William "Bill" R. Colling on February 9, 1957, at St. Mary's Church. Together they raised three children: Rick, Julie, and Jo. In mid-life, Mary Anne became a Realtor, a career she loved for more than 20 years. She and Bill shared a passion for travel, exploring the Southwest, Canada, and Alaska in their RV. She loved the outdoors, fishing, and camping, and famously canned salmon in their RV kitchen after Alaska fishing trips so they could legally bring it home.

A creative soul, Mary delighted in art and crafts. She taught ceramics, kept two kilns busy in her basement, and seemed to create beauty in everything she touched-from rosemaling, growing flowers, jewelry design to sewing intricate projects. A devoted doll collector, she loved to sew and repair them. Mary was known for her flamboyant style, often adding her own handcrafted "bling" to her wardrobe.

Mary loved people, to laugh and have fun. Her intelligence, wisdom, and thoughtful advice were cherished by her family. She enjoyed her friends and was active in the local Red Hats Society. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy.

She is survived by her children Rick Colling and Jo Ellen Kralicek; six grandchildren-Liberty and Ryker Colling; Reed, Cole and Logan Kralicek; and Thomas Johnson; two great-grandchildren; and five nephews and three nieces, along with many grand-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her daughter Julie, her parents, and her brother Tom.

Funeral arrangements are being made with DaWise-Perry / Mandan Crematory, Mandan, North Dakota.