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"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain…" (Revelations 21:4)

Mary Jo Verhulst, 67, of Hettinger, ND, passed away peacefully in her sleep during the first week of February 2026. She was suffering terribly from a very painful condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Our merciful God has taken her home where there is no more pain, brokenness, or despair. He has taken her to where there is new life, restoration, and redemption. We will mourn the loss of Mary Jo in our lives here on earth but celebrate her new life in the Risen Christ, Jesus.

Mary Jo was born October 2nd, 1958 in Fargo, ND. She grew up in Reeder with her parents Andrew and Margaret Wagner and her brother, Bill Wagner. She was also surrounded by close cousins, whom were like siblings to her.  She attended Reeder Public School where she was proudly a Reeder Rocket cheerleader and basketball player.  She met Edward Verhulst who became her best friend and then her husband. They married on January 27, 1977. They welcomed four daughters into this world. One daughter, Andrea, passed away shortly after birth and has surely welcomed her mother home.

Mary Jo was a devoted stay at home mother while her children were young. She was tender, caring, and made everyone feel safe and loved. As a family they enjoyed camping, visiting the Black Hills, and celebrating the holidays. Mary Jo was especially fond of making Christmas a magical time for her children. She was also a devoted friend and neighbor, often helping others in their time of need.

When her children were all in school, she went on to get her Bachelors of Nursing Degree from Dickinson State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. As a nurse working at West River Regional Medical Center she was often described as kind, intelligent, calm under pressure, and compassionate. Her nursing care extended beyond the walls of her employment. She often cared for the sick and suffering of her family and friends. She was the person people turned to in times of distress, giving the most compassionate care and friendship to anyone who needed it.

Another passion she had was cake decorating. She was self taught and had an artistic skill at making realistic flowers. She made many cakes for friends, relatives, and customers. Her grandkids were always delighted at the cakes she made for their birthdays.

Mary Jo's life became challenging and difficult for her after being diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It is considered one of the most painful chronic conditions, with a pain score higher than childbirth and cancer; and it was unrelenting for her. It started in her knee following a simple surgery and eventually progressed to other areas of her body. She was often bedridden for days and had very limited capacity for activity. Despite this she remained very loving and tender to those who visited her. She never complained, she never talked about her suffering other than a simple, "I'm hurting," even though this condition took so much from her life.

Mary Jo will always be remembered for her kindness, compassion, nurturing care, and her sunny disposition. Many have expressed how she was there for them and carried them through difficult times. To know her was to know love.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her beloved parents Andrew and Margaret Wagner, and her daughter Andrea Verhulst.  She is survived by her daughters Jill (CJ) Holzer-Fargo, ND, Tina (Jeremy) Friebel-Hettinger, ND, and Kayla (Torey) Ostlund-Perham, MN, and her 7 grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Bill (Doreen) Wagner.

Rosary and a time of remembrance will be held on February 27th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 7pm. A Funeral Mass at Holy Trinity will be held for Mary Jo on February 28th at 10am with lunch to follow.