Mary Ann Sahs

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mary Ann Sahs on December 12th, 2024. She was surrounded by family and love, as she was her entire life. She was born February 2nd, 1936, to Harold and Violet Hintz at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, Iowa. Joining siblings Shirley, Bill and Jackie, the family built the ideal small-town life supported by the downtown Hintz Furniture family business. Mary Ann was baptized, confirmed and married at First Presbyterian Church in Oelwein. She graduated from Oelwein High School in 1954, attended Monticello College in Godfrey, Illinois until 1955 and graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1958. She married Kenneth Sahs on June 16, 1957, and enjoyed 67 years of marriage. She began a lifelong passion for education in Iowa City teaching first grade. The couple moved to Rochester, Minnesota in 1960 to open Ken's dental office, where Mary Ann worked for 2 years in any capacity needed. The family grew in 1962 with the birth of Jon, followed in 1965 by Scott. Mary Ann continued to substitute teach in Rochester schools while raising her sons. She enjoyed serving on the Aldrich Nursery School Board, was a charter member of the Friends of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and a member of the Zumbro Valley Dental Association. Mary Ann proudly worked with dyslexic students, tutoring in her home for The Reading Center for 29 years. She took great joy in playing tennis, meeting with the Great Books Reading Group, going on family trips to Lutsen and the North Shore, and especially painting with watercolors. Her mastery of this art, assisted by participation in the Fifield Watercolor Group, resulted in hundreds of beautiful creations that represent her creativity and spirit. Her annual Christmas Cards are true collectables eagerly anticipated every holiday season and will sorely be missed. Mary Ann had countless close relationships with friends and neighbors that were very important to her. Her true love was becoming Nana to Justin, Ali, Colin and Zach. She loved attending all their activities and sports, hosting celebrations, creating lifelong memories and sharing her pride of watching them all grow into amazing adults while cherishing their relationship with her. She is survived by her husband (Ken), son Jon (Patty), son Scott (Maureen) and grandchildren Justin, Ali (Brian), Colin (Shannon) and Zach, as well as multiple nieces and nephews. She was blessed to gain bonus grandchildren in Courtney (John), Kayla and Carter as well as one great-grandchild Madelyn. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Per her request, the family will be holding a private service. Her lifetime wish was for people to be happy, enjoy every day we are given with others, and see the beauty of life all around us. The greatest tribute to Mary Ann would be to raise a glass of wine in her honor, tell someone you love them, and recall the incredible legacy and impact she had on anyone lucky enough to know her. Mary Ann and Ken were blessed to share 61 years in their Rochester home on 11th Avenue NE before finding their new beloved home at the Waters on Mayowood in 2023. Donations in her name to The Reading Center would be an ideal way to honor her commitment to learning. Our lives will never be the same without her, but she will live on forever in our hearts and souls.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sahs family.