Marie Lanigan

Marie Lanigan age 98 of Alexandria, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria at noon. A prayer service will take place on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 5:00 PM with a visitation immediately following until 7:00 PM. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to Mass at the church. Burial will take place at the St. Mary's Cemetery- Mausoleum.


Marie Adella was born on August 28, 1918 in Urbank, Minnesota the daughter to John and Isabella (Benzinger) Doebber. She attended rural grade school and then worked in Chicago for two years as a nanny, before returning home to Minnesota. Marie returned to her family farm and helped her father with the housework and family. Marie's brother introduced her to what would be her future husband of seventy years, Michael Lanigan. The couple was united in marriage on November 19, 1941 in Spokane, Washington. Soon after getting married, Michael was drafted into the military to serve our country in WWII, at that time Marie moved back home to be close to family. During WWII, Marie had seven family members in the service that she would write letters to often.

In 1951 Mike and Marie purchased a farm east of Alexandria. They remained on this farm till retirement in 1980. Many great memories were made with their children here. They moved to their home on McKay Avenue, where they resided until 2008. They then moved to Bethany Manor and finally her home at Bethany Home till her passing.

Marie was an amazing sewer. She made beautiful quilts, making sure that each grandchild got one as a gift. She also enjoyed reading and spending time in nature tending to her gardens. Michael could talk her into playing cards with him to pass the time. She was a wonderful cook, always willing and ready to cook a meal or bake treats for her family and friends. She was best known for her donuts and Kuchen! Marie was a past member of the mission circle and a current member of the Christian Mothers at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Marie was that special person, whom never forgot a birthday or special occasion, always sending a note or card.

On Saturday, June 3, 2017, Marie was welcomed to heaven by her Lord and Michael. She is survived by her children, Lyle (Carol) Lanigan, Jerry (Luann Hammerschmidt) Lanigan, Marilyn (Steve) Honebrink, Kevin (Barb) Lanigan and Cindy (Duey) Jantzen; daughter-in-law, Theresa Lanigan; son-in-law, Tom Heidelberger; fourteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lucille Peterson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael; daughter, Patricia Heidelberger; sons, Darrel Lanigan and John Lanigan; grandchild, Jeremy Lanigan; brothers, Shorty, George, Vance, Leo, and John; and sister, Adeline.