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Mary Ann Laaker passed away peacefully at her home in Bennington, Nebraska, on July 10, 2026, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, friendship, and unwavering love for her family and community.

A Celebration of Life honoring Mary Ann will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Arlington VFW, 218 W. Eagle Street, Arlington, Nebraska. Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories, laughter, and stories of a woman whose warmth touched so many lives.

Born on November 18, 1943, in Fremont, Nebraska, Mary Ann lived a life centered on caring for others. Alongside her beloved husband, Denny, she owned and operated the Sportsman's Bar in Bennington for 28 years. Together, they created more than a neighborhood gathering place—they built lasting friendships and became an important part of the Bennington community and surrounding area. Their partnership, both in business and in life, reflected a love and commitment that spanned 53 wonderful years.

After the sale of the Sportsman's Bar, Mary Ann continued her life's work of serving others by providing home health care to elderly clients. Her compassion, patience, and generous spirit brought comfort to countless families and reflected the caring heart that defined her.

Mary Ann also shared a love of adventure with Denny through the Cornhusker Corvette Club, where they became members in 1997. Even after Denny's passing, she remained an active and enthusiastic member, proudly participating in the St. Patrick's Day Parade earlier this year—a testament to her vibrant spirit and love of life.

Above all, Mary Ann's greatest devotion was to her family. She gave unconditional love and steadfast support to her son, Mike, and cherished every opportunity to care for those she loved. Anyone who knew Mary Ann remembers her radiant smile, her genuine warmth, and her remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. She had a rare ability to turn a brief conversation into a lasting friendship, leaving people feeling seen, valued, and appreciated. Her kindness, sense of humor, and generous heart will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Mary Ann was welcomed into eternal rest by her beloved husband, Denny; her son, Mike Laaker; her parents, Durward Lee "D.L." and Edith Sidebottom; her brother, Bud Sidebottom; her sister, Ethel Satthoff; her brothers-in-law, Ray Satterfield and Paul Satthoff; her sisters-in-law, Margaret Sidebottom and Dianne Leehy; her niece, Marcia Sidebottom; and her parents-in-law, Leonard and Rosie Laaker.

She leaves behind her sister, Edith Satterfield of Blair, Nebraska; her brother-in-law, Larry Leehy and his wife, Sheila, of Fairview, Texas; along with many nieces, nephews, cherished friends, and the countless people whose lives were brighter because they knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bennington Community Foundation. Please reference Mary Ann Laaker on the memo line.

Mary Ann's life was a beautiful reminder that the greatest legacy is not measured by what we leave behind, but by the love we share, the friendships we build, and the kindness we extend every day. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated.

#2 From obituary printed in the Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Washington County Enterprise, Blair, Nebraska

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Mary Ann Laaker passed away peacefully at her home in Bennington, Nebraska, on July 10, 2026, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, friendship, and unwavering love for her family and community.

A Celebration of Life honoring Mary Ann will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Arlington VFW, 218 W. Eagle Street, Arlington, Nebraska. Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories, laughter, and stories of a woman whose warmth touched so many lives.

Born on November 18, 1943, in Fremont, Nebraska, Mary Ann lived a life centered on caring for others. Alongside her beloved husband, Denny, she owned and operated the Sportsman's Bar in Bennington for 28 years. Together, they created more than a neighborhood gathering place—they built lasting friendships and became an important part of the Bennington community and surrounding area. Their partnership, both in business and in life, reflected a love and commitment that spanned 53 wonderful years.

After the sale of the Sportsman's Bar, Mary Ann continued her life's work of serving others by providing home health care to elderly clients. Her compassion, patience, and generous spirit brought comfort to countless families and reflected the caring heart that defined her. Mary Ann also shared a love of adventure with Denny through the Cornhusker Corvette Club, where they became members in 1997. Even after Denny's passing, she remained an active and enthusiastic member, proudly participating in the St. Patrick's Day Parade earlier this year—a testament to her vibrant spirit and love of life.

Above all, Mary Ann's greatest devotion was to her family. She gave unconditional love and steadfast support to her son, Mike, and cherished every opportunity to care for those she loved.

Anyone who knew Mary Ann remembers her radiant smile, her genuine warmth, and her remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. She had a rare ability to turn a brief conversation into a lasting friendship, leaving people feeling seen, valued, and appreciated. Her kindness, sense of humor, and generous heart will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Mary Ann was welcomed into eternal rest by her beloved husband, Denny; her son, Mike Laaker; her parents, Durward Lee "D.L." and Edith Sidebottom; her brother, Bud Sidebottom; her sister, Ethel Satthoff; her brothers-in-law, Ray Satterfield and Paul Satthoff; her sisters-in-law, Margaret Sidebottom and Dianne Leehy; her niece, Marcia Sidebottom; and her parents-in-law, Leonard and Rosie Laaker. She leaves behind her sister, Edith Satterfield of Blair, Nebraska; her brother-in-law, Larry Leehy and his wife, Sheila, of Fairview, Texas; along with many nieces, nephews, cherished friends, and the countless people whose lives were brighter because they knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bennington Community Foundation. Please reference Mary Ann Laaker on the memo line.

Mary Ann's life was a beautiful reminder that the greatest legacy is not measured by what we leave behind, but by the love we share, the friendships we build, and the kindness we extend every day. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated.

~~~obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska

FindaGrave # 302395439