Mary Ann Bigaouette

Mary Ann Bigaouette, age 70, of rural Belle Plaine, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026,
at her home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A memorial service for Maryann
will take place Monday, August 24, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine at 11 a.m.
with Rev. Sherri Otto, officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Kolden
Funeral Home in Belle Plaine from 3-6 p.m. and will resume one hour prior to the service at the
church. Interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Mary Ann was a loving wife, devoted mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend to so
many. She was a woman whose greatest joy in life was her family. Her love was steady,
generous, and unconditional, and she had a beautiful way of making the people around her feel
loved, cared for, and at home.
Mary Ann was born on April 11, 1956, in New Prague to Gerhard and Alverna (Koepp) Laabs.
She grew up in Le Sueur and graduated from Le Sueur High School. After high school, she
started attending commercial college business school in Mankato. During that time in 1975, she
met Mike Bigaouette. Just one year later, they were married on November 6, 1976, at St. John
Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine. Together, they worked on their family farm.
Mary Ann loved living in the country and raising her children. She treasured the years she was
able to stay home with her kids and watch them grow from little ones into young adults. Some of
her happiest memories were the simple, everyday moments—playing games around the table,
making wonderful meals, laughing together, and creating traditions that her family will carry
with them forever. She also cherished the adventures they shared as a family. Road trips to
Missouri, Colorado, and Mackinac Island created countless memories that held a special place in
Mom's heart. And who could forget their first family flight to Orlando? These trips weren't just
vacations; they were adventures filled with laughter, stories, togetherness, and memories that her
family will hold onto forever. She poured her heart into her family and created a home and a
childhood filled with love, warmth, and unforgettable moments.
Later in life, Mary Ann began working outside of the home, cleaning houses. What started as
work became so much more to her. She genuinely enjoyed getting to know each of the families
she worked for and cared for them as though they were a part of her own family. Her kindness,
compassion, and genuine interest in others made a lasting impression on everyone she met.
When she wasn't caring for others, Mary Ann loved spending time with the hobbies that brought
her so much joy. She enjoyed ceramics, sewing, baking, diamond art, and, most of all, being
there to watch her grandchildren do the things they loved. She rarely missed a favorite sport,
concert, activity, or special moment. She was their biggest cheerleader, always proud, always
present, and always ready to celebrate them.
Mary Ann was so looking forward to retirement. She had dreams of finally having the time to
enjoy all of the hobbies she loved so incredibly much and to spend even more time with her
family and grandchildren. She had so many plans for the years ahead, but God had other plans
for her.

Though her time with us was not nearly long enough, Mary Ann’s love will live on forever in her
children, grandchildren, family, and all those she touched. Her traditions, laughter, adventures,
and countless memories will remain in our hearts. Her greatest legacy was the love she gave so
freely, reminding us that a beautiful life is measured not by what we have, but by how much love
we give. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten, carried with us in
everything we do until the day we meet again.
Mary Ann is survived by her five children, Christina (Brian) Grant, Becky (Nick) Riesgraf,
Michael (Kelsey) Bigaouette, Vanessa (Jordan) Lemmerman, and Nathan (Lindsey) Bigaouette;
grandchildren, Brayden, Bennett, and Braxton Grant, Jada, Paisley, and Easton Riesgraf, Olivia
and Owen Bigaouette, Kyle and Mayva Lemmerman, and Joey, Isla, Etta, Nora, and Nellie
Bigaouette; siblings, Dick (Patty) Laabs, and Rita (Ken) Worm.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Bigaouette; her parents, Gerhard and Alverna;
daughter, Melissa Bigaouette; nephew, Ryan Laabs; and great-nephew, Kevin Ramirez.