Mary Urlaub

Mary Agnes Urlaub, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on September 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on October 24, 2025, at St. Boniface Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour before the time of the service. 

Mary was born on March 7, 1941, in North Dakota to Earl and Agnes (McGurran) Brown. She was the tenth of fourteen siblings and grew up in a close-knit family. Mary attended school in Cavalier, ND, and after graduation, she spent a short time in a convent in Oregon, discerning a life of faith and service.

She later returned to Walhalla, ND, where she and her husband, Donny Urlaub, raised their three children. In 1985, Mary moved to Bismarck, ND, to pursue her passion for helping others, earning her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1989. She began her career in Linton, ND, and later returned to Bismarck, where she worked in Child Protection Services at Burleigh County Social Services until her retirement.

In her retirement, Mary found joy in spending winters with her siblings in Southern California and summers back home in North Dakota, enjoying time with family and friends. She cherished her relationships and was known for her warm heart, love of music and dancing, and deep faith. Mary often said, “I am so blessed with my family and friends,” “God is good,” and “I am proud of my kids.” Her unwavering faith and pride in her family were central to her life.

Mary is survived by her children: Chad Urlaub, Kari (Perry) Kopp, Julie (Chad) Klindtworth; her beloved grandchildren: Shannon (Jared) Auch, Matthew (Olga) Kopp, Hunter Klindtworth and Kaylin Klindtworth; and great-grandchildren: Felix Auch, Calvin Auch. She is also survived by her siblings: David (Johnette) Brown, Tom (Marge) Brown, Evelyn Rogers and Earlene (Phil) Kase, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Agnes Brown, and her siblings: Joseph Earl “Buster” Brown, Jack Brown, Leonard Brown, Theresa Nugent, Katherine White, Eileen Wendt, and Julia Reck.

Mary’s legacy of love, faith, and family lives on in all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed.