Mary Zaun
November 25, 2011
Mary Zaun, 95, entered eternal life after a sudden illness on Friday, November 25, 2011, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa surrounded by her family. She was born July 27, 1916, in Des Moines to Essie M. Cunningham Nemmers and William P. Nemmers. She graduated from North High School and worked as a Secretary until she married Clyde Zaun.
Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She and her husband, Clyde, were blessed with 10 children, 20 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson.
She enjoyed her faith in God and the Blessed Mother, reading, quilting, and her large family gatherings.
Mary was a Charter Member of All Saints Parish and was recently recognized at the Diocesan Centennial Celebration. She was a member of All Saints Altar and Rosary Society, the choir for 35 years, St. Vincent de Paul and Parish Council. Mary volunteered at the food pantry and was also a member of the Y of Des Moines. She was a Teacher Associate for many years at Adams, Douglas, and Watrous Schools.
Mary is survived by 10 children, Peggy (Jack) Grimes, Dick (Sue) Zaun, Tom (Kathryn) Zaun, Mary Jo Zaun, Bill Zaun of Ft. Collins, CO, Sue (Tom) Embry, Patricia (Steve) Larsen of Tampa, FL, Judy (Terry) Day of Polk City, IA, John (Penny) Zaun of Polk City, IA, and Debbie (Steve) Smith; and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Riordan; brother, James (Pat) Nemmers of Cedar Rapids, IA; sister-in-law, Marilyn Nemmers, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clyde; two grandsons; her sisters, Margaret Neubeck and Patricia Cunningham; and her brothers, Robert and John Nemmers.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, November 29, 2011, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue, Des Moines. Burial will be held at Glendale Cemetery. The family will greet friends and relatives on Monday, November 28, 2011, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the church. There will be a Rosary at 3 p.m. and a Scripture service at 7 p.m.
The family would like to thank Fr. Anthony Aiello, Dr. Roy Overton, and the staffs at Martina Place as well as Mercy Hospice in Johnston.
Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Catholic Church or Martina Place Assisted Living in loving memory of Mary.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mary Lou Stout
12/01/2011
To Mary's family -
Because I neglected to mention this to anyone at the church the other night, I wanted to be sure you all knew how much my mother appreciated your mother's continued efforts to stay connected to her and to the rest of us after my Dad died in 1981. Since he was the last of the Cunninghams, we were rather set adrift when he wasn't here any more. My mother loved your mom, as we all did, and was ever grateful for her friendship. Growing up, your house was like a second home to me. It was a great place to visit! I was always amazed at your mom's ability to feed all of us such good food! I will also always remember your grandmother Flora staying with me now and then when mom and dad were gone. We had a great time with her! She also was the one that bailed me out of my "clothing" class at the Adademy. Had she not taken care of me, that would have been one more class that I didn't ace! I wasn't interested enough to apply myself in school. that's for sure! Thankfully, I've grown up some and become a bit more responsible since then!
Take care and if there is ever anything I can do, please don't hesitate to pick up the phone!
Mary Lou
Tom & Julia Page
11/30/2011
Tom, Sue, and Family - I was so sorry to hear about your mom/grandma. She was a kind woman and dearly loved her family. I remember visiting her during our lunch breaks. May you find comfort knowing that she is now with your dad in Heaven.
Sue Ortale
11/29/2011
To the Zaun Family,I give my condolences for the loss of your family member. I especially wish to give my sympathy to Mary Jo. I enjoyed my time with you and your mother at Woodlawn. Always remember the good times. My love to you.
Sue
Ann Stover
11/29/2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. What a lovely lady!
Ann
Chris Esser
11/28/2011
Zaun Family,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of such a wonderful matriarch. Mary was always loving and full of life. You couldnt help but smile when you were around her. Whenever I talked to her, she always had a sparkle in her eye especially if we were talking about her family or sports.
I am thinking about you every day and send my sincere condolences to all Mary's children and grandchildren.
God bless.
Phil Condo
11/28/2011
My sincere condolences are extended to Brad Zaun and his Family for the passing of Mary. PJC
Mary Kay Peterson
11/28/2011
Mary Zaun was one of the nicest resident's to have ever lived at Martina Place! She will not only be missed by the staff ,but also by the resident's!! She was very special to me and I will miss her and her nice family!!
Catharine Graham
11/28/2011
Angie, I am so sorry for the loss of your grandmother. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your father & your family. Much love, Catharine
Deb Kelley
11/28/2011
Zaun family,
We were sorry to hear about your mother's passing. We all remembered her from All Saints. She was a very nice woman and touched a lot of lives.
The Kelley girls - Jeannie, Kathy and Debbie
dennis couch
11/28/2011
My sincere condolences to the entire Zaun family in your loss. My Mother,(Mary Couch) always held her in the highest regard and would always talk about her strong personna as a beautiful servant of God.
Kay Lonas
11/28/2011
Sue,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. What a blessing to have so many memories to cherish. Her love and legacy will live within you forever. Your new Guardian Angel will always be with you. May God hold you through this journey,providing peace and comfort.
God Bless!
Kay