Mary Ann Kuka, born on March 4, 1934, to Leo & Agnes Gallus, in Delano, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at The Legacy of Delano on October 7, 2024, at the age of 90. Her life was a testament to the values she cherished: family, church, and friendship.

On September 7, 1954 Mary Ann married Archie Kuka at St. Joseph’s Catholic church in Delano. She developed a lifelong passion for cards and cribbage, often enjoying spirited games with family and friends. Mary Ann also loved polka and dancing; in her earlier years she & Archie could often be found waltzing or doing a polka at one of the local dance halls.

Her professional life saw her caring for others, first with playground duty at St. Peter’s School and later as a nurse’s aide at Delano Elementary School. Through these roles, she touched many young lives and earned the admiration and respect of her colleagues and students alike.

Mary Ann’s commitment to her family was unwavering. She leaves behind her loving daughter, Nancy (Jon) Van Nurden, and her devoted son, Rick (Cindy). Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Joseph Van Nurden (Emily), Jon “Jack” Van Nurden (Susanna Mennicke), Cecelia Kuka (fiancé Ricardo Reyes), and Marcus Kuka, and her adored great-grandsons Soren, Fenris, and Henrik Van Nurden. She is also survived by her dear sister, Delores “Dee” Anderson, and her beloved nieces Lori Clarine, Jane Diers, Suzann Corwin, and Julie Gallus, as well as her nephews Hal Gallus and Lee Anderson, along with many treasured nieces and nephews on the Kuka side of the family.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband Archie, brother Leo Jr., her sister-in-law, Colleen, her brother-in-law, Allen Anderson, and her infant brother, Clement.

Mary Ann will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering faith, and her love for her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, St. Peter campus in Delano, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM prior to the Mass, with a 9:45AM rosary service all at the church. Interment in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Delano, Minnesota.