Mary Bieghler

Mary Aileen Bieghler, 89, passed away peacefully at the Care Initiatives Retirement Home in Pleasant Hill, Iowa on Monday, July 17, 2023 following a brief illness. Mary was born on December 28, 1933 in College Springs, Page County, Iowa to Virgil and Zelda Ellsworth. She attended College Springs Elementary and High School, graduating with the class of 1952. The week following graduation, she moved to Des Moines and launched her career at Principal Insurance where she worked until her retirement in 1997.

Mary was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Bieghler on April 20, 1957, exchanging their vows at the United Methodist Church in College Springs. The newlyweds set up housekeeping in Berwick where they raised their young family until Bob sold his auto shop and service station in Des Moines and moved to rural Mitchellville in 1967, then to their farm near Mingo shortly thereafter. In 1994, Bob and Mary sold their farm and moved to their acreage outside of Altoona where they slowed their pace a bit and eased into a happy and contented retirement.

Mary was a devoted mother who always placed her family first. Despite the demands of a full-time job and farming, she always managed to find time to attend her kids’ football, basketball, baseball and softball games, track meets and wrestling matches, providing logistical support and encouragement. She loved her role as “grandma” and never missed a chance to be with and spoil her grandkids, particularly during holidays and at family gatherings. Pets were also regarded as important family members and provided valuable companionship to Bob and Mary through the years. Dogs, cats, horses, pigs and Marbles the rabbit all found a place in their home. Mary enjoyed watching old westerns on TV, growing flowers, working in the yard, and visiting with friends. She will be sincerely missed by all who knew her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Helen Spangler and Marjorie Sullivan; brothers, Warren and Don Ellsworth and son, Robert Jr., (Bobby).

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert; son, Steven (Theresa) of Polk City; son, Dennis of Altoona; daughter, Diana (Dan) Higginbottom of Altoona and son, Allen (Karen) of Altoona; brothers-in-law, Richard (Linda) and Bill (Diane); sister-in-law, Sharon (Kenny) Grismore; 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will take place on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 12:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street S.W., Altoona, Iowa. Family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m., until time of service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be at Hopkins Grove Cemetery in Polk City, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in loving memory of Mary.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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