Mary Ann (Basarich) Vesel

June 12, 1940 - December 15, 2024

Mary Ann Vesel, 84, of Ely MN, passed away on Sunday, December 15th at the Boundary Waters Care Center after a brief illness, with the love of her life, her husband Ray, at her side.

Mary Ann was born in Hibbing, Minnesota on June 12, 1940, the first daughter of Robert and Helen (Njegovan) Basarich. She enjoyed a childhood close to an extended family living throughout Minnesota’s Iron Range and was especially close with her sisters Dessa and Bobbie Jean. She fondly recalled doing “everything” with her sisters, even though little Dessa was born with only one, malformed kidney. Sadly, kidney transplants were just starting to be done, and not for children; Dessa passed away at 11 years old, on Mary Ann’s 13th birthday. When asked, who do you want to see when you go to heaven? Without hesitation, answered, “Dessa …she’s an angel.”

Mary Ann was a proud graduate of the Hibbing High School Class of 1958, where she had many fond memories including witnessing the variety show that teenager Bobby Zimmerman’s very loud band performed in (before he went on to fame as Bob Dylan). She continued her education, training to become a secretary at Hibbing Junior College.

After J.C. she hired on to be the secretary at the City of Hibbing’s Rec Center. Here she met Raymond Vesel, who was recently back home from serving in the Air Force in Germany. Ray and Mary Ann started dating, really hit it off, and married on September 23rd, 1961. Because of job opportunities lacking in Hibbing, they moved to Ely when Ray was able to hire on at Reserve Mining Co. in Babbitt.

Mary Ann talked often of fond memories of raising her family. When first in Ely, they lived in a small apartment above Bunny Slogar’s station where John was born. Having a fenced backyard and being close to Whiteside Park was helpful in keeping a busy toddler occupied. She would describe that John and she were “thick as thieves,” spending many hours together. Then, five years later, along came Sandy, and to accommodate their growing family, the Vesels moved into their own home on the east side of Ely. Mary Ann was a very proud and hard-working wife, mother, and homemaker. She put her secretarial skills to use, donating many hours as secretary to the First Presbyterian Church where she also served as a church elder.

Mary Ann and Ray were as close as a couple could be and enjoyed each other’s company immensely. Especially in retirement, Mary Ann really savored having more time to be with Ray to go fishing, shopping, visiting, or just to go out for a pleasant drive to view many of Ely’s beautiful lakes and landscapes.

This spring, various health issues led Mary Ann and Ray to move from their beloved home to Carefree Living on Ely’s west side. Mary Ann had been feeling tired and sick for more than a year; by summer this was worse. In November a scan showed why- cancer that was too advanced to cure. Her last weeks were made as comfortable as could be done at the Boundary Waters Care Center, with help by Essentia Hospice. Ray stayed by her side as much as possible during this difficult time - as well as throughout their marriage.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 63 years, Raymond. Son John (Nina) Vesel, daughter Sandy (Arlyn) Aronson. Grandchildren Daniel, Sarah, and Jason Vesel. Sister Roberta Jean (Lyle) Adams, and their children Kristen (Brian) Brandt, Jenn Pann (Greg D’Alessandro). Special Niece and Ray’s Goddaughter, Julie Vesel.

She is predeceased by parents Robert and Helen Basarich, and sister Dessa Louise. Parents-in-law John and Agnes Vesel, their children Jennie (Albert) Levstek, William (Marion) Vesel and their son, Tom. Along with many aunts, uncles, cousins.

The Vesel family would like to express solemn thanks to many in the community who touched Mary Ann’s life, and ours. To many neighbors who helped in different ways, big and small, especially Kathy Matschiner. To Dr. Schwinghamer and his team, for many years of excellent care. To the caregivers at CareFree Living - you all do a hard job with apparent ease and certainly with grace. To the doctors and nurses at Essentia St. Mary’s, who cared for Mary Ann when she suffered a broken hip in the last month of her life. Last, we thank the nurses and aides at the Boundary Waters Care Center, along with the Essentia Hospice team, as you cared for both Mary Ann and Ray, making sure they were both as comfortable as possible during such a difficult time.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Ely.  

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.