Mary Louise Twedt
August 03, 2020
Mary (Boten) Twedt
Of Altoona, Iowa
Mary Louise Twedt, 82, passed away at her home on August 3, 2020. She was born October 5, 1937, in Nevada, Iowa to Myron and Ruth Boten.
Mary’s family farmed near Roland. She was confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church and was named salutatorian of the Roland Class of 1955. A gifted musician, Mary was active in vocal music, as a soprano and an accompanist.
Mary was united in marriage to David Twedt on June 10, 1956. They began married life in New Jersey as David finished his service in the U.S. Army. They moved back to Iowa and started their family while David attended college in Storm Lake. Upon graduation, they settled in Newton where David had a 35-year career at Maytag.
Mary shared her musical talents broadly, most notably at First Lutheran Church in Newton. She sang in the adult choir, accompanied both the youth and adult choirs, and regularly substituted as the organist. She served as the accompanist for two musical productions at the Newton Community Theater and also accompanied countless band and vocal music students at concerts and contests.
Mary imparted her love of music to hundreds of students over her more than 45-year career as a piano teacher. But her primary role was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Mary and David moved to Altoona in 2009 to be closer to their beloved grandchildren, never missing a sporting event, music concert, dance recital, or children’s theatre performance.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Kathryn (David) McClelland and their children, Ryan David and Kay Lauren; brother, John (Judy) Boten of Moline, IL; and seven nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, David Twedt; her son, Michael David Twedt; her brother, Larry Boten.
Due to current circumstances of covid a graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Roland Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to either the Animal Rescue League or First Lutheran Church of Newton, IA.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Diane Frausto (Sackett)
08/26/2020
Dear Kathryn & Family, Our prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.I will never forget all the times our families got together and watching the fun had with the games we played. The last time I was in Newton I made a point of visiting with her and it turned into almost two hours and it was so good to catch up with her and hear about your family and kids. She was such a great piano teacher and I really wish I had paid more attention as I do miss playing. We love you and will continue our prayers for God's peace during this hard time.
Tina Chrismore
08/22/2020
Kathryn, It took me a while to write this, because I am so sad that Mary passed away. She was always so kind and thoughtful. As a high school student I was amazed to see your close relationship. Mary was always interested in the details of your life and knew all your friends. Your mom and dad were the cool parents that we always liked to hang out with. Mary always remembered my birthday and was always wanted to know what was going on in my life. I will miss her hugs and friendship. I wish I could be there for you. I know that you are surrounded by loving family and friends and hope they give you strength. You lost your mom, but also your best friend. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that so many loved her and share your grief. Love, Tina
Nancy Randles
08/12/2020
Dear Kathryn & Family,
We send you hugs and prayers for comfort during this sad time. Our families lives were intertwined. The many memories of sharing special events are so precious to me. The laughter during charades on New Year's Eve, the seats together at the football games, and of course the piano lessons will be forever cherished. We love you and pray for God's peace!
Nancy Randles (Sackett)
Connie & Bill Kaldenberg
08/08/2020
Kathryn & family. Were very sorry for your loss. Mary was a beautiful person; we used to enjoy visiting with both her and Dave.
I believe I was her very last piano student; she was a fantastic teacher, but before we started, we always had to catch up on news, mostly of our families! She will be sadly missed ??
Lawrence Weltha
08/08/2020
Sincere Sympathy to Mary's family. She is no longer a phone call away, and that hurts.
She would give up Gunsmoke to visit with me, but Ryan deserved her full attention so I forgive him for the abrupt disconnects. Seeing her name on my caller ID was like nobody else's.
The memories will never end for this schoolmate between David and Mary's high school classes.
Jean E Dole
08/08/2020
Mary graduated a year ahead of my twin sister and me but she treated us like sisters and we will miss her beyond words. I saw her the Wednesday before she died when I stopped on our way home from Des Moines and left her two jars of my home made pickles that she loved. And I have a lovely thank you from her that I will save forever. We had wonderful phone calls with her and she was the best at remembering names and all sorts of things about growing up in Roland. She had every trait I wanted in a friend. We talked about her grandchildren, Ryan and Kay, all the time. There was no doubt they were outstanding and that they will miss their Grandmother greatly. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Michelle (Kane) Plate
08/07/2020
Mary was my piano teacher from 5th grade through 10th grade. She was the best. I remember always looking forward to seeing her cause she was the sweetest and funniest lady. She would always get on me when I would admit I hadnt practiced like I should have. She would always let me try new music I found at mattinglys music store in Newton. I went to school with her daughter she graduated a year ahead of me. She will be greatly missed and she was such a blessing to me. I now live in Texas and havent seen her in many years. I will always remember her beautiful smile. I pray the lord give you peace and comfort in your time of grief.
Christine Simonsen
08/07/2020
Mary was such a loving and kind hearted woman. She always knew how to make me laugh and smile. I will always cherish the memories with her and will keep your family in my prayers. She will be sorely missed.
Russell Boten
08/06/2020
I have nothing but fond memories of Aunt Mary. I knew her my entire life, spent lots of time on my grandparent's farm, at her homes, and on family vacations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Canada. She was funny and profane, the first adult I remember as a child who would casually swear in front of me. She was also a great teller of family stories and legends. Really glad I got to see her just a little while ago on a trip I made across the country in May. Condolences to Kathryn and her family. Love, Russell
Angie (Jones) Carlson
08/05/2020
Kathryn and family - I have so many fond memories of your mother. She was a significant influence on me as a young girl and I truly enjoyed the many years we spent together side-by-side on the piano bench. She was such a fabulous teacher, but also a trusted friend. What a wonderful lady. You have my deepest condolences.
Sue & Dave Amensen
08/05/2020
A talented, long lasting friend. We have so many experiences to gratefully reflect upon.
Lori Evans
08/05/2020
Kathryn and family, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.