Mary Ann Hinnerichs

Mary Ann Regina Primus was born on February 12, 1932, to Anthony and Clothilda (Wander) Primus in Melrose, Minnesota. Mary Ann was the eighth of nine children. Mary Ann's father was a stonecutter for a granite monument company and her mother was a cook/housekeeper for the rectory of St. Boniface Catholic Church. Mary Ann was closest with her younger sister, Darlene, who entered Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and received the religious name Colette. Mary Ann attended St. Boniface Catholic School in Melrose and then Melrose Public High School, where she graduated in June, 1950. Upon graduating, Mary Ann moved to Los Angeles, California where, working as an usher in the movie theater, she met her husband, Howard Hinnerichs. Mary Ann and Howard were married on March 12, 1952 and were married for 68 years.  Mary Ann was employed at See’s Candies, Creamette Noodle Factory, Buckbee-Mears, American Can Company, UNIVAC, and was a manager in the printing division of Deluxe Corporation for 21 years. On weekends Mary Ann and Howard were managers of the Corral Drive-In in South St. Paul and the Minnehaha Drive-In in East St. Paul. As well, they worked with their good friends, Ken and Kathy, as Blackjack dealers for casino nights at corporate events. While employed full time, she was co-owner and landlord of a four-plex and a five-plex apartment building in St. Paul with her son, Dean and his wife, Connie, for 25 years. As well, with her daughter, Coleen, she was the owner and operator of Tomorrow’s Treasures, quilting and cross stitch shop in White Bear Lake, MN. ​Creative and proficient at her craft, Mary Ann was talented at quilting, cross stitch, and crocheting. With her husband, Howard, she traveled the country taking yearly weeklong trips with all of the grandchildren. She and Howard enjoyed spending the winters in Laughlin, Nevada for 3 months at a time over 20+ years of retirement. She enjoyed puzzles, crossword puzzles, playing cribbage, gardening and going to sports events of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary Ann was blessed with a kind spirit and a quick wit. She always had a hearty hug ready for you.  Since 2015, Mary Ann’s memory had declined with the progression of Alzheimer’s but her quick wit was ever present. Mary Ann died on March 13, 2020 after contracting influenza A and pneumonia.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Howard; and son, Gary. She is survived by her daughter, Coleen Burmis (Jerry); son, Dean (Connie); grandchildren, Erin Phillips, Sarah Moeschter, Joshua Hinnerichs, Nicholas Hinnerichs, Lisa Hinnerichs, Elizabeth Charnell; sister, Sr. Colette Primus, OSB; along with great-grandchildren, Dalena, Nevaeh, Erianna, Javis, Aniah, Cassius; and great-great grandchild, Mila.  Private family services due to the pandemic. Private Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at later time. Memorials in lieu of flowers to Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict.