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March 20, 1936-Aug. 10, 2026
Minot
AnnaMae Marie Bezanson, 90, of Minot, ND, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, at home surrounded by family.
AnnaMae was born March 20, 1936, in Rugby to Charles and Frances (Volk) Duchscher. She was raised on the family farm SE of Rugby with 14 siblings. She went to the country school close to the farm until her folks moved into Rugby in 1952. She then attended school in Rugby. In 1953 until 1954, she attended and graduated from the Sacred Heart Academy in Minot.
She met Bonaventure Kraft on a blind date, and they were married on June 6, 1955. They made their home in Surrey, ND, where they raised their four children.
AnnaMae and Bonaventure were busy raising children and running Kraft's Greenhouse in Surrey. AnnaMae helped at the restaurant and cleaned houses.
Bonaventure passed away December 8, 1977.
In 1980, AnnaMae met Russel Bezanson at a single's group meeting held at a local church. The chance meeting led AnnaMae to marry the second love of her life on October 9, 1982. To this union Russel's son Russel II was added to the family. The couple lived in Minot until Russ was transferred to Devils Lake in 1989.
While living in Devils Lake, AnnaMae started a house cleaning business which she operated for 10 years. AnnaMae and Russ also had a hobby business consisting of model horses and wagons. AnnaMae did the harness work and Russ made the wagons. They became involved in Toy Farmer shows throughout the upper Midwest. They met many people, some becoming lifelong friends.
Upon retirement they moved back to Minot in 2001. AnnaMae and Russ led a fully active life. They were able to travel to Florida, Europe, Alaska, New York, Oregon, and Idaho.
AnnaMae had a great personality and warm smile. She was loved by many.
Her loving family includes: husband of 44 years, Russel; children, Laura Moran, Bryon (Colleen) Kraft, Carrie (Steve) Skreenock, Carolyn (Tracy) Steen; stepson, Russel Bezanson, II; 15 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bonaventure; parents, Charles and Frances Duchscher; all of her brothers and sisters; grandsons, Jeremy, Bradley, and Christopher.
Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Monday from 5 to 7 pm. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Monday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Those wishing to share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompson larson.com).
Published by The Minot Daily News, August 14, 2026.