A celebration of life for Mary ValRae (Christiansen) Kroshus, age 87, will be held on Saturday November 8th at 2:00 PM at Bethel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton ND. Visitation will be from 12 – 2 pm also at the church on Saturday. She passed away peacefully at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. ND on November 3rd, 2025, after a short illness.
Mary was born on April 13th, 1938, in Milnor, ND to Arthur and Edith (Halstein) Christiansen. She graduated from Valley City State University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in English education with honors. She married the love of her life, Tilford in 1960. She taught for 11 years as a high school and elementary school English and drama teacher. Mary worked for 30 Years as a Librarian at the North Dakota State College of Science Mildred Johnson Library. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1985 with a master’s degree in library science. She enjoyed teaching English as a second language during the summers to a group of students from Japan. She also taught English as a second language to newcomer families in the community. She was a member of Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK), and Wahpeton Public library board serving as its president. She was known for her radiant smile and the genuine warmth she brought to every interaction. Insightful and capable, she had a wit that was quick, dry, and unforgettable.
Mary is survived by her husband Tilford; two sons, John and Paul; two daughters-in- law, Charlene and Lamiaa; and three grandchildren, Joshua, Ifeoma, and Ryaan. Also, two siblings Janice Anderson and Guy Christiansen.
Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Doris Mastony, and her brother, Arthur Christiansen.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Prairie Public radio which Mary enjoyed daily.