Ann Christianson Mahoney, First Woman Benson County Judge, Dies

Ann Christianson Mahoney passed away peacefully on November 6, 2026, according to an obituary published by The Bismarck Tribune.

Born in Devils Lake, North Dakota, on August 30, 1953, to Melvin and Jean Christianson, she spent her early years in Minnewaukan before moving to Devils Lake, where she graduated from Devils Lake Central in 1971. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of North Dakota.

In August 1975, she married her lifelong partner, John Mahoney. That same year, both entered law school, graduating from the University of North Dakota Law School in 1978.

The couple ventured out to Center, North Dakota, to open private practice law offices, later expanding with an office in New Salem. In 1980, Ann Mahoney was appointed Judge of the County Court of Increased Jurisdiction for Benson County, headquartered in Minnewaukan. She was the first woman appointed to that position, the highest judicial post held by a woman in North Dakota's history at that time.

Known as a sharp attorney who worked long hours, she maintained a large pro bono caseload. She would not turn away anyone in serious need of legal services regardless of their ability to pay.

Beyond her legal career, her primary devotion remained her family. She and John raised four children: Carly, Allison, John P., and Jackie.

She actively served on several community boards, including an appointment to the North Dakota Horse Racing Commission. She also helped establish a rural health clinic in Center through the Coal Country Clinics Board, alongside her active involvement in St. Martin’s Catholic Church.

Gardening, traveling, golf, reading, swimming, snow and water-skiing, playing games, and spending time at the family cabin at Wood Lake defined her personal life. She notably hosted “Bama Camp” every summer at the cabin for just herself and her grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, November 13, at the Church of Corpus Christi, located at 1919 N Second St. in Bismarck. Family will greet guests from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Eastgate Funeral Service at 3117 E Century Ave. in Bismarck, followed by a vigil service and time for sharing memories at 6:30 p.m.

She is survived by her mate, John Mahoney; her four children; six grandchildren; three siblings; and numerous extended family members, alongside her dog, Miss Molly. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John and Paul Christianson.

The family expressed gratitude to the staff and residents of Edgewood Mandan. Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor. Online memories and guestbook entries can be shared through Eastgate Funeral Service.